Vector Software, the leading provider of dynamic software testing solutions for embedded systems, announced today that it will provide Visteon Electronics, a business unit of leading global automotive supplier Visteon Corporation, with the VectorCAST testing platform as a component of its software development strategy. More >>

Dassault Systèmes has launched its Target Zero Defect concept for helping car makers develop vehicles right the first time. The digital continuity and collaborative environment aims to help transportation and mobility OEMs and suppliers create zero defect processes from concept to final assembly. The concept provides a global approach to capturing and leveraging existing corporate knowledge, connecting design, engineering and manufacturing disciplines across a company’s entire ecosystem of partners and suppliers into a dynamic, collaborative product creation environment. More >>

Smart vehicles are set to become the new frontier for apps developers over the next five years, according to a report from Juniper Research, which forecasts that the market for in-vehicle apps will be worth just short of US$1.2bn by 2017. Advancements in automotive connectivity standards such as Mirrorlink and higher smartphone ownership will create foundations allowing the connected car ecosystem to flourish, particularly in developed North American and western Europe markets, finds the report. More >>

Jaguar Land Rover is to lead a five-year research programme with the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and four leading UK universities. The research projects aim to give the UK the chance to take a global lead in virtual simulation technology. The £10m collaboration is the first phase of a 20 year strategic project that could put the UK at the leading edge of virtual simulation globally. More >>

A way to reduce hotspots in tablets and smartphones could provide a boost for makers of automotive infotainment systems. AMS (formerly Austria Microsystems) has developed a power management IC that works with Nvidia Tegra processors and can allow them to run at full power without the heat problems that this normally brings. However, the same processor is used by a number of German car makers in infotainment systems and the PMIC could also bring similar benefits. More >>

Analog Devices and Audi have announced a strategic collaboartion within the car maker’s PSCP progressive semiconductor programme. PSCP increases engagement between Audi and selected semiconductor suppliers to enhance the value they bring to the functionality and reliability of future cars. ADI will provide Audi with technologies to support its goal of manufacturing innovative and appealing vehicles. These technologies aim to enable optimised system partitioning, from sensing to signal conditioning, via digitisation and signal processing in powertrain, safety and infotainment systems. More >>

Hyundai has expanded its testing capabilities with a noise vibration harshness (NVH) simulator for benchmarking its new vehicles. Supplied by Brüel & Kjær, the desktop NVH simulator reproduces the noise and vibration of a vehicle in an interactive driving environment. Virtual, in-car testing allows automotive designers to experience first-hand the noise and vibration environment within vehicles before they’ve been fully built. More >>

The Embedded Microprocessor Benchmark Consortium (EMBC) has set up an expanded working group project with Volkswagen to establish an energy-efficiency benchmark for microcontrollers aimed at making automotive end products more energy aware and more robust. More >>

Chinese car makers are using Freescale’s integrated MCU concept to help address explosive growth in their home automotive market. Car sales in China are booming, with a 13% year-over-year gain for April 2013, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. At the same time, the amount of electronic content per vehicle continues to increase. More >>