SODA.Auto, a UK-based automotive tech company, introduced SODA V, a pioneering tool designed to support automotive engineers from idea inception to certification for software-defined vehicles (SDVs). The platform integrates software, electronics, and electrical architecture, leveraging digital twin technologies and AI to streamline tasks significantly.
The automotive industry has seen various technological advancements; however, none have matched the comprehensive capabilities of SODA V. Unlike previous tools, SODA V integrates the entire vehicle development cycle into a single interface, replacing multiple tools and processes. This innovative solution reduces coding review time from three days to ten minutes and cuts the vehicle development timeline from five years to just 200 days, with a budget reduction from $40 million to $600,000.
Accelerating Vehicle Development
SODA V promises faster, more cost-effective production of SDVs, which could lead to more vehicles on the market, lower prices, and enhanced technological advancements. The automotive industry has faced challenges such as market contraction and competition from the Asian market. Specifically, sales dropped by nearly 19 percent in 2023, affecting original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and startups alike, with early-stage funding reducing sharply from $12.2 billion in 2021 to $3.7 billion in 2023.
Glenn Saint of The Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) UK, Commercial Director at Equipmake, highlighted the need for innovative tools to meet modern demands:
“The previous status quo of creating vehicles no longer works. Cars are not only mechanical products anymore, customers expect software-driven, feature-rich mobility experiences. We need innovative tools to help automakers (and suppliers) quickly overcome the challenge of creating a product comparable to high-end technology products and at the cost of Chinese cars.”
Market Disruption
SODA V stands out in the industry by covering the entire vehicle development cycle, from idea and requirements to validation and certification, all within a single platform. This unification replaces at least 15 commonly used tools like Siemens Polarion, IBM Doors, Confluence, and Vector, streamlining the process and improving efficiency. Founded in 2023, SODA.Auto quickly made a mark, raising $6 million in its first year and employing a team of 60 experienced developers and managers, many from Arrival.
In its first year, SODA.Auto aims to double its client base among automotive companies in Western markets, targeting the development of over 150,000 software-defined vehicles. The company is also preparing for a new investment round and planning an IPO, signaling its growth ambitions.
The introduction of SODA V signifies a critical shift in the automotive industry’s approach to vehicle development. By integrating various processes into a single, efficient platform, SODA.Auto addresses long-standing pain points such as extended timelines and high costs. This innovative tool could set a new standard for developing software-defined vehicles, ultimately benefiting both manufacturers and consumers through faster production and lower prices. As SODA.Auto continues to expand and attract investment, its impact on the automotive industry is likely to grow, potentially reshaping how vehicles are developed and brought to market.
