Suzuki has chosen Finland-based software firm Qt Group’s software framework for the digital cockpit in its inaugural battery electric vehicle (BEV), the e VITARA.
According to Qt, this marks a pivotal move for the car manufacturer as it transitions towards software-defined vehicles (SDVs).
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Suzuki aims to enhance the driving experience by incorporating digital features into its mainstream EVs, making them accessible to a broader audience.
The Qt Group noted that one of the challenges for mainstream EVs is to offer responsive human-machine interface (HMI) capabilities within the constraints of embedded hardware, where user experience can be limited by hardware capabilities and cost considerations.
To overcome these challenges, Suzuki plans to utilise the Qt Group’s suite of “cross-platform” HMI tools, which will facilitate the development of user interface/user experience (UI/UX) for digital cockpits.
Qt Group said that utilising its framework will enable Suzuki to design, test, and apply UI components across a variety of vehicle models and platforms using one codebase.
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By GlobalDataThe method is expected to lead to reductions in software development time and expenses by fostering modularity and reusability, enhancing cooperation throughout the development stages, and improving overall performance and scalability.
Qt’s framework also offers Suzuki the flexibility to customise the digital cockpit’s aesthetics and functionality.
Designers as well as developers can adjust interactive elements, such as digital dashboards and infotainment menus, to align with passenger and driver preferences.
Furthermore, the framework’s pre-tested UI components and tools provide a base for HMI development, assisting Suzuki in fulfilling automotive safety and compliance requirements as they craft their cockpit solutions.
Qt Group product management senior vice president Juhapekka Niemi said: “We’re committed to building technology and transforming the car experience for everyday users.
“Suzuki’s e VITARA is a great example of how Qt can help automakers bring premium digital experiences to a wider audience.”
Suzuki’s cockpit solution is being developed on Automotive Grade Linux (AGL), an open-source platform that enables developers to create and implement software on a standardised industry platform.
Qt Group added that since 2015, it has been an integral collaborator with AGL, working on Linux-based open-source solutions for connected car infotainment and HMI systems.
Last month, Suzuki Motor announced plans to invest over Rs700bn (~$ 8bn) in its Indian operations over the next 5-6 years as the company is looking to double its production capacity in India by the end of the decade.
