Elektrobit took part in the SIA CESA congress — an opportunity to highlight key trends in automotive software.
The SIA (French Society of Automotive Engineers) CESA congress has long been the gathering place for industry professionals to share the latest advancements in automotive electronics and software. This year’s edition, held on February 12-13, 2025, in the scenic Congress Center of Versailles, brought together leaders from across the automotive tech landscape. Discussions focused on the future of the Software Defined Vehicle (SDV) and new electronic architectures, all while shining a spotlight on the importance of open-source software solutions.
Event recap
During the two-day event, we had the privilege of participating in key sessions and contributing to meaningful discussions. Notably, Raul Latorre Fortes, Business Development EMEA at Elektrobit, delivered an insightful talk on “Are SDVs the key to survival for car manufacturers?” on February 12, which explored the strategic importance of SDVs in the automotive industry’s ongoing evolution.
On the following day, February 13, our own Ulrich Kirchmaier and Muhammad Aqib Javaid Butt, Solution Architects at Elektrobit, took the stage to present Linux for Safety Applications, our Linux-based OS solution for safety-critical applications, covering requirements up to ASIL-B/SIL-2. This presentation was particularly well-timed, following a series of discussions on how the automotive industry is grappling with new challenges and opportunities posed by SDVs and open-source software.
Key takeaways
- Open-source software for SDVs is essential
A key theme that emerged from the congress was the growing consensus around the role of open-source software in SDVs. Presentations highlighted the increasing need for flexibility and cost-efficiency in development, with many experts pointing to open-source as the answer. Sara Gallian, Program Manager for SDV at the Eclipse Foundation, poignantly remarked that “the big elephant in the room is how to bring open-source SW and safety-critical systems together.” This was a sentiment echoed by many throughout the event, reinforcing the shift toward open-source solutions for automotive software. - The challenges of decoupling lifecycles and enhancing security
As OEMs continue to explore SDVs, one challenge that kept surfacing was how to decouple lifecycles to improve efficiency and reduce development costs. Industry leaders discussed how new security frameworks, such as UNECE R-155, are reshaping the landscape. The consensus was clear: embracing open-source solutions can provide the flexibility needed to address these evolving needs while ensuring compliance with safety regulations. - Linux for Safety Applications: the future-proof solution for SDVs
Our presentation on Linux for Safety Applications – our Linux-based OS solution for safety-related applications – was incredibly well-received. As the discussions earlier in the conference set the stage, our solution addressed exactly what the industry is looking for: a software solution that’s secure, cost-effective, and aligned with the demands of SDVs. Following a less-than-stellar presentation by a competing solution provider, the questions directed at them revealed a growing dissatisfaction with limited support for features such as containerization and slow startup times. In contrast, Linux for Safety Applications offered a more efficient and forward-thinking alternative, positioning it perfectly for the current market needs.
The road ahead: SDVs and open-source software
As the automotive industry accelerates toward a future dominated by Software Defined Vehicles, one thing is clear: open-source software will play a central role in shaping that future. The conversations at SIA CESA 2025 underscored the industry’s readiness to embrace solutions that meet the growing demand for security, efficiency, and flexibility. Our Linux for Safety Applications platform stands as a prime example of how open source can be leveraged to address the challenges that car manufacturers and OEMs face today.
Change is here
With the automotive industry on the brink of transformative change, events like SIA CESA 2025 provide invaluable insights into the strategic directions that SDVs will take. For companies looking to stay ahead of the curve, adopting open-source solutions like Linux for Safety Applications is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity. By decoupling lifecycles, addressing security concerns, and ensuring compliance with UNECE R-155, Linux for Safety Applications is perfectly poised to support the next generation of automotive innovations.
As we continue to explore new horizons in automotive software, we look forward to further opportunities to contribute to this evolving conversation. Stay tuned for more updates, and feel free to reach out to discuss how Linux for Safety Applications can help accelerate your journey toward the software-defined future!
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