Automotive Grade Linux (AGL) has announced the launch of a new open source program office (OSPO) Expert Group (EG) for Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs).
This initiative led by Toyota, aims to advance the adoption of open source software within the automotive industry.
The OSPO EG will focus on establishing OSPOs across the sector, fostering information exchange and best practices among automakers.
Open source software is an integral part to the automotive industry, with companies like Toyota and Subaru utilising it for infotainment and instrument cluster applications.
Other applications include research and development, testing, vehicle-to-cloud connectivity, and fleet management.
Automotive Grade Linux executive director Dan Cauchy said: “Traditionally, little code has been given back to the open source community, often because the internal procedures or IT infrastructure were not in place to support open source contributions.
“With the rise of SDVs, automakers are increasingly not only using open source software, but also contributing to it. Many organisations are also forming OSPOs to streamline and organise their open source activities to better support their business objectives.”
Toyota, Honda, and Volvo are among the automakers that have already established OSPO.
The AGL OSPO EP offers a neutral platform for these companies to share challenges and collaborate on solutions.
It facilitates the exchange of information and development of best practices to assist other automakers in building their OSPOs.
Toyota Motor head of open source program group Masato Endo said: “Toyota has been involved in AGL and the broader open source community for over 10 years. We established OSPO this year to promote the use of open source software within the company and guide how and where to contribute.
“We look forward to working with other open source leaders to solve common problems, collaborate on best practices, and invigorate open source activities in the automotive industry.”
The AGL OSPO EG, led by Toyota and supported by Panasonic and Aisin, seeks to advance open source program offices and foster the sharing of challenges and solutions.
The group promotes open discussions on topics such as the upstream-first development model and business restrictions in open source usage.
This initiative also aims to enhance collaboration and innovation within the automotive industry.
