South Korea's LG Electronics (LG) has been selected to provide an integrated cockpit solution for Renault Group's New Trafic E-Tech Electric.

It is the first commercial vehicle the French carmaker has produced in series using a software-defined vehicle (SDV) architecture.

The solution brings the instrument cluster and the infotainment unit together under a single control framework designed specifically for SDVs.

The cluster shows information such as speed, revolutions per minute (RPM) and warning lights, while the infotainment unit handles functions including navigation and media playback.

LG said this arrangement lets driving-related and entertainment content appear with greater consistency across the vehicle's screens.

It added that manufacturers may be able to cut costs because the design requires fewer components and a leaner system layout.

In traditional vehicles, control duties are divided among dozens of electronic control units (ECUs), each assigned to an area such as the cockpit, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) or the powertrain.

SDVs take a different approach, using high-performance computing and a centralised software architecture that manages several functions simultaneously.

LG noted that SDVs can also receive new features and improvements to existing ones through over-the-air (OTA) software updates.

The company said the product builds on its track record in automotive infotainment development, as well as software and user experience/ user interface expertise gained through its mobile, TV and home appliance businesses.

The two companies have worked together for a long time. Renault Group named LG an outstanding supplier in 2014, 2017 and 2020, and in 2021 they jointly developed an Android-based automotive infotainment system.

LG developed and delivered the cockpit solution for Renault Group's first production SDV.

Looking ahead, LG plans to broaden cooperation with major carmakers in North America, Asia and other key markets.

LG Vehicle Solution Company president Eun Seok-hyun said: "Building on our close collaboration with Renault Group and other global automakers, we will continue to advance the core technologies and solutions needed to support the mobility industry's transition to SDVs."