Four leading Japanese suppliers – Aisin Seiki Co, ADVICS Co, JTEKT Corporation and Denso Corporation have announced that they will be together forming a joint venture company that will specialize in the development of integrated ECU software for automated driving and vehicle dynamics control. They have signed a basic agreement regarding the formation of the joint venture company in which Denso will have a 65 percent stake, Aisin 25 percent, ADVICS a 5 percent share, and JTEKT will have the balance 5 percent.
The automotive industry is currently evolving at a rapid pace, especially when it comes to technologies related to connected vehicles, electrified powertrains and self-driving vehicles. There is need for greater speed in the development of technologies which can support automated driving and vehicle dynamics control so that such vehicles can reach the mass production stage faster and thus transform future mobility so that life becomes easier for everyone in the long run.
The integrated ECU is a key component which serves as the hub for managing all the individual components, such as sensors, brakes, and steering, which perform the basic driving functions and are critical for automated driving.
Through the formation of this joint company, the four Japanese suppliers will pool their expertise to expedite the development of more sophisticated software which is needed for larger and more complex integrated ECUs. Each of these companies has unique strengths which they bring to this partnership and will collaborate on the development of software for integrated ECUs which are most suitable for the needs of automotive manufacturers. Details are still being discussed and the plan is for the new company to launch in March 2019.
