Honda, IBM to develop next-gen tech for SDVs

Honda Motor and IBM collaborated to develop cutting-edge computing technologies for the future of automobiles, focusing on chips and software specifically designed for software-defined vehicles (SDVs), the NIKKEI Asia reported on Wednesday.

The agreement anticipates a surge in AI-powered vehicles by 2030 and beyond. SDVs are predicted to revolutionise the industry, offering features remotely updated like smartphones.

Both companies expect SDVs to dramatically increase the complexity and processing power needed from chips, while also demanding lower power consumption, according to their joint statement. Their research will target improvements in both chip processing and energy efficiency.

According to a Honda source speaking to Nikkei Asia, specific details and individual roles within the project are still under discussion. This marks the first major partnership between the two companies.

Honda recently announced a record $7.7 billion investment in R&D for the coming fiscal year, reflecting a 23 per cent increase and prioritising research into SDVs and electric vehicles