#Japan #Tokyo #Open Source #Linux Foundation #Panasonic Automotive

Panasonic Automotive Systems Joins the Linux Foundation

In a significant move aimed at enhancing its contributions to open source software, Panasonic Automotive Systems Co., Ltd (PAS) has become a Gold Member of the Linux Foundation. Established in April 2022, PAS is dedicated to pioneering advancements in automotive systems, focusing on user comfort, safety, and security across its vehicle offerings. Their new partnership with the Linux Foundation signifies their commitment to fostering innovation not only in Japan but also internationally.

Jim Zemlin, Executive Director of the Linux Foundation, expressed enthusiasm for this collaboration, highlighting PAS’s exemplary leadership in automotive technology. According to him, the transition towards software-defined vehicles is crucial, and PAS’s involvement will significantly influence this evolution, increasing the importance of collaborative software development in the automotive sector.

Why Open Source Matters

The world is rapidly embracing open-source solutions, especially in technology sectors, and PAS is committed to this paradigm. Having utilized Linux since 2006, the company holds the belief that open source software is a cornerstone for innovation in automotive applications. Their involvement isn't limited to mere software application; they play a proactive role by advocating for the adoption of open-source technologies within Automotive Grade Linux’s Software Defined Vehicle Expert Group.

Masashige Mizuyama, the Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at PAS, underscored the company's vision: “Panasonic Automotive Systems believes that open source software (OSS) is essential to product realization and innovation.” This assertion highlights their intent to integrate OSS effectively to drive automotive advancements.

Global Reach and Ambitions

Panasonic, headquartered in Japan, extends its reach with subsidiaries across nine countries. As a Tier 1 automotive supplier, they provide advanced technologies to automakers, facilitating the development of vehicles that meet stringent global safety and comfort standards. With their corporate vision of becoming the “Joy in Motion” design company, PAS intends to align its business and technology strategies with consumer needs worldwide.

With more than 1,000 organizations as members of the Linux Foundation, PAS's collaboration emphasizes the joint effort to revolutionize automotive software technologies. Other notable Gold Members include industry giants such as Google, Toyota, and Cisco, indicating a collective drive towards similar goals.

Upcoming Events and Community Engagement

In addition to internal initiatives, the Linux Foundation is active in hosting a variety of events aimed at nurturing the open-source community in Japan. Scheduled for 2025, these events will include:

• - Open Source Summit Japan
• - KubeCon + CloudNativeCon Japan
• - AI_dev Open Source GenAI ML Summit Japan
• - Linux Kernel Maintainer Summit Japan
• - Open Compliance Summit Japan

These events offer platforms for industry professionals, enthusiasts, and developers to collaborate, share ideas, and contribute towards the growth of open-source software technologies.

A New Chapter for Panasonic Automotive Systems

This strategic membership with the Linux Foundation marks a pivotal step for Panasonic Automotive Systems in its quest to enhance technological integration in the automotive landscape. By aligning more closely with open-source software development, PAS positions itself not just as a manufacturer, but as a transformative force in the future of mobility. The commitment to speed up the evolution of automotive software is not only beneficial for their product lineup, but also lays the groundwork for a global dialogue about the future of transportation.

Through this collaboration, Panasonic advocates for a more innovative, efficient automotive ecosystem, set to benefit customers and manufacturing partners alike. As the boundaries of automotive technology continue to expand, open-source contributes a unique avenue to ensure that the industry becomes more agile and responsive to emerging needs.