ThunderSoft and GAC R&D Centre establish joint innovation centre

ThunderSoft, a world-leading operating system technology provider and Guangzhou Automobile Group Co.,Ltd. Automotive Engineering Institute (GAC R&D Centre) announced the establishment of GAC R&D Centre – ThunderSoft Joint Innovation Centre for Intelligent Vehicle Software (JIC).

The two companies will jointly develop a world-class Intelligent Connected Vehicle (ICV) platform, promoting the technological development in ICV areas. A signing ceremony was held through online video, where WANG Qiujing, President of GAC R&D Centre and ZHAO Hongfei, CEO of ThunderSoft signed the agreement on both sides.

GAC R&D Centre plays a key role as the research hub of GAC Group, and it has mastered the key technologies in electrification, intellectualisation, digitisation, and emotional design which show its rich R&D experience and strong capabilities. In terms of intelligent connected technology, 4 systems: autopilot, intelligent connectivity, cloud platform, and big data have been created which are based on its self-developed in-car intelligent-connected ecosystem ADiGO.

ThunderSoft leads in intelligent operating system, Kanzi UI engine and design ecosystem, AutoCDK intelligent vision, smart vehicle cockpit solutions and AI technology. It also has full stack capabilities from chips, OS up to the cloud. The two companies will establish a deep and extensive partnership to create a world leading ICV platform.

Prospective research will be jointly carried out based on ICV operating system over many aspects, such as in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system, smart vehicle cockpit solutions, AI, intelligent vision, security technology.

ThunderSoft and GAC R&D Centre have a solid foundation for cooperation. Since 2016, the two companies have been working on the ICV infotainment system and ecosystem, widely applied in GAC GS4, GS8, Aion S and other main models. The system supports OTA (Over-the-air programming), audio interaction, online/offline navigation and integrated IoV (Internet of Vehicle) services. For the first time, Wechat is functioning in the vehicle which brings convenient driving experience to the customers.

As the software-defined automotive era is coming, most functions are going to carried by software. ICV operating system is fundamental basis of all software, applications, services and business innovation. The JIC will be a new base for software and application innovation, promoting the establishment of ICV ecosystem.

“Software-defined vehicle is the future and the cooperation and innovation from different areas has gradually become a new normal in the automotive industry,” said WANG Qiujing, President of GAC R&D Centre. “ThunderSoft is centred on intelligent operating system, focusing on the establishment of ICV platform and empowering the digital revolution within the global automotive industry. This is highly compatible with GAC R&D Centre's open innovation and development needs. I hope we can jointly build a new industrial ecosystem in the new round of Automotive industry revolution.”

“Driven by autopilot, AI, 5G and other technologies, the core technology of automotive industry and its industrial foundation are experiencing all-round reformation. GAC R&D Centre is the leader of innovation within the industry. We are honoured to cooperate with GAC R&D Centre to create top ICV platform and empower the development of intelligent vehicle,” said ZHAO Hongfei, CEO of ThunderSoft.