AutoDrive is no longer available.
Stellantis, the automotive giant, has announced a strategic realignment in its software strategy, focusing more on core functions and relying more on external partners. This shift comes after the termination of the company's partnership with Amazon for the SmartCockpit and the halt of in-house Level-3 autonomous driving development.
The termination of the Amazon partnership does not affect the readiness of Stellantis' Level-3 automation system, AutoDrive, for series production. According to the company, AutoDrive is ready for series production, a significant milestone in the automotive industry. However, the postponement of the market introduction of AutoDrive is due to insufficient demand for the technology.
The development of Level-3 systems, known for their partial automation, is associated with significant costs. Despite this, Stellantis presented software for partially autonomous driving as recently as February. The company is now planning to intensify cooperation primarily with external partners such as aiMotive, a software developer involved in their AutoDrive program.
Buyers have shown little interest in Level-3 automation systems so far. The effort to develop Level-3 systems does not clearly relate to expected market acceptance. This reality, coupled with the high costs involved, has led Stellantis to reconsider its approach.
The cooperation with aiMotive will be strengthened, a move that is expected to help Stellantis focus more on core functions. This shift follows the delay of a key component of Stellantis' software strategy, the market introduction of AutoDrive.
The technology remains challenging, but Stellantis' decision to rely more on external partners may indicate a new direction in the automotive industry. The delay affects Stellantis' software strategy, but the company remains committed to its goal of delivering innovative and safe automotive solutions.
Recently, "Handelsblatt" reported on this decision by Stellantis, highlighting the significant changes taking place in the automotive industry as companies adapt to shifting consumer preferences and technological advancements.
