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Insights from Perforce's 2025 Automotive Report

Perforce Software has recently published its much-anticipated 2025 State of Automotive Software Development Report, revealing critical findings that underscore the importance of code quality and safety in the advancement of AI vehicle technology. The report stems from a survey of 650 professionals in the automotive engineering sector, focusing on the evolving application of artificial intelligence in vehicle development.

One of the most striking observations from the survey is the growing emphasis on safety, which emerged as the top priority for 49% of the respondents. This shift indicates a significant trend where teams focused on functional safety standards are now required to incorporate additional considerations while leveraging AI technology in their development processes. Jill Britton, the Director of Compliance at Perforce, articulated this necessity: “AI systems introduce non-deterministic factors, which amplify the challenges associated with achieving functional safety.”

In terms of AI application, 42% of surveyed professionals cited that AI is driving innovations in autonomous vehicle design, a noteworthy 9% increase from the previous year. Moreover, 41% reported that AI is influencing certain components of connected vehicles. The leading areas for AI and machine learning applications include Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) systems, and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technologies.

Another enlightening trend identified in the report shows a resurgence of safety concerns among automotive software professionals. In the past, security had surpassed safety as the primary concern; however, as AI/ML technologies become increasingly prevalent in vehicle design, professionals are recognizing that ensuring safety must take precedence once again in 2025.

Maintaining high-quality code is highlighted as a critical factor for ensuring the safety and security of automotive software systems. However, the complexity of code can pose significant challenges, notably for less experienced engineers. In fact, 57% of respondents with under a year of experience, and 45% with one to three years, indicated that code complexity was their foremost worry. In contrast, more seasoned engineers (>5 years) pointed towards testing resources as their primary concern, with only 37% expressing issues with code complexity.

The report also reveals that current market pressures, characterized by global economic conditions and competitive dynamics, are nudging organizations to adopt strategies such as maximizing existing resources (49%) and upskilling current staff (42%). Many developers are choosing to implement static analysis tools to navigate through complex code landscapes, thereby ensuring adherence to industry standards such as MISRA and ISO 21434.

Key highlights from the report include:

• - A staggering 86% of respondents confirmed they utilize at least one coding standard to maintain code quality.
• - 53% reported the integration of static analysis tools, primarily aimed at improving software quality.
• - 89% are mandated to monitor code quality metrics to mitigate errors, showcasing an uptick of 12%.
• - The electrification of vehicles is advancing, with 47% of teams engaging extensively in electric vehicle (EV) systems.
• - Notably, 71% are adopting ISO/DPAS 8800 to ensure functional safety concerning AI-driven development.

As the landscape of automotive software continues to shift, the importance of compliance with functionality and security standards cannot be overstated. With regulations evolving rapidly, the necessity for robust software quality and compliance solutions is more urgent than ever. Notable upcoming changes include the anticipated release of MISRA C2025, which will impact 53% of automotive developers.

The comprehensive findings from this study were made possible through a collaboration with Automotive IQ and the Eclipse Foundation, emphasizing the pressing issues surrounding safe and secure automotive software development in today's interconnected vehicle systems. For those interested in delving deeper into these insightful findings, the complete 2025 State of Automotive Software Development Report is available for download at Perforce.

About Perforce

Perforce Software is recognized globally for transforming DevOps practices, enabling teams to enhance their speed, quality, and security during development cycles. With a presence in over 80 countries and supporting 75% of the Fortune 100, Perforce empowers the world’s leading brands in navigating complexity and achieving consistency in software development.

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