Open source software (OSS) is transforming the automotive industry and drives the core mission of the Eclipse SDV Working Group. From enabling cutting-edge innovation to championing sustainability, OSS is reshaping the development of software-defined vehicles (SDVs). Our latest report, “Driving Efficiency and Sustainability: The Business Value of Open Source Software in the Automotive Industry,” reveals the significant business impacts of OSS adoption for automotive decision makers and software professionals.
This report, the second in a three-part series, builds on the Eclipse Foundation’s groundbreaking research into OSS’s role in the automotive sector. With input from 300 industry professionals, it uncovers how OSS is driving unprecedented opportunities in cost reduction, product differentiation, and environmental stewardship.
Here are some of the key advantages of adopting OSS in SDVs revealed by the report:
Cost Sharing and Savings Take the Wheel
Cost efficiency emerged as a dominant motivator for OSS adoption, with nearly 70% of respondents identifying it as key. Among decision makers, nearly half expect operational expenditure to decrease by up to 25% over the total lifecycle, thanks to OSS's flexibility and reduced dependency on proprietary solutions.
Innovation Accelerated
OSS liberates resources once tied to expensive proprietary development, empowering automakers to prioritise advanced features and differentiation. This renewed focus on innovation translates to greater profitability and market competitiveness.
OSS Drives Sustainability
As the world pivots toward greener practices, OSS is helping automakers design more environmentally friendly vehicles, with 53% of decision makers ranking it as one of the top three benefits of using OSS – likely due to perceived efficiency gains.
More insights from the report:
- Collaboration and Interoperability as Foundations: Seamless integration and collaborative development are top priorities for software professionals. By leveraging OSS, automakers create interoperable ecosystems, reducing silos and enhancing efficiency across the supply chain.
- OSS Adoption Is Ubiquitous: An overwhelming 97% of surveyed professionals use OSS frequently, with nearly half considering it critical to their teams’ success. This adoption underscores the vital role OSS plays in modern automotive development.
- OSS Reduces Downtime: Decision makers anticipate that open source software will deliver enhanced scalability and flexibility while significantly reducing downtime.
- OSS Will Help Improve Inclusion: Decision makers view OSS as a significant opportunity to enhance vehicle accessibility for people with disabilities, with 53% of participants identifying it as one of the top three advantages.
A Call to Action for Stakeholders
The report highlights actionable opportunities for key industry players:
- Developers can capitalise on OSS platforms and tools to innovate faster and more effectively while prioritising collaboration and integration.
- Decision makers can harness OSS to reduce costs, improve product quality, enhance sustainability and inclusion, and achieve a competitive edge.
- Policy makers are encouraged to champion OSS adoption through standardisation, training programs, and initiatives that promote interoperability.
Explore the Full Report
The full report, “Driving Efficiency and Sustainability: The Business Value of Open Source Software in the Automotive Industry,” is available for download here. It provides a comprehensive look at OSS’s business value in the automotive sector.
For further insights, revisit the findings of the first report in this series:
Report 1: Driving Innovation & Building Safer Cars with Open Source Software
Stay tuned for the final report, which will address the challenges facing OSS adoption in the automotive ecosystem.
Open Source Is Not a One-Way Street
As this second report demonstrates, the future of mobility is being shaped by collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability – all made possible through open source. OSS is not only transforming how vehicles are built but also revolutionising the industry’s approach to efficiency and innovation.
However, it’s important to note: open source is not a one-way street. While the report highlights cost savings as a significant driver of OSS adoption, the open source SDV of the future more than ever depends on investments from the automotive community.
By embracing collaboration, shared code, and a collective commitment to the open source culture, we can all play a part in this software revolution. Learn more about the Eclipse SDV Working Group and explore how you can contribute today!
