Accelerating Software-Defined Vehicle Development with Alloy Kore from QNX and Vector

Introduction

At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, BlackBerry Limited's QNX division, in partnership with Vector Informatik GmbH, unveiled Alloy Kore, an innovative onboard software platform aimed at accelerating the development of software-defined vehicles (SDVs). This platform is designed to tackle the increasing complexity faced by automotive manufacturers in the realm of vehicle software architecture, providing a robust and scalable foundation for innovation.

Addressing Industry Challenges

The automotive industry has been grappling with mounting challenges related to the integration of software layers such as operational systems and middleware. For years, this has hindered manufacturers' ability to focus on enhancing core software features. The recent delays in vehicle production launches can often be traced back to difficulties associated with optimizing and integrating this foundational software. Hence, a significant need exists for reliable common platform software that meets the rigorous safety and security requirements of SDVs, while also reducing risks and shortening development timelines. Alloy Kore aims to serve as the essential solution to these challenges.

By merging QNX's safety-certified operating system and virtualization technology with Vector's secure middleware, Alloy Kore establishes a lightweight and scalable foundation for deploying applications across various vehicle domains. This reduces the burdens typically associated with software integration, allowing automakers to allocate more engineering resources towards innovations that enhance the in-vehicle experience for drivers and passengers alike.

Early Access Program and Manufacturer Adoption

Leading automotive manufacturers, including Mercedes-Benz, have begun to explore how Alloy Kore can be integrated into next-generation SDV architectures. By leveraging modular middleware and a safety-certified OS, they aim to achieve high-performance centralized control units and enable OTA (Over-the-Air) updates across entire vehicle fleets. This approach is expected to decouple hardware and software development cycles, accelerating the rollout of new digital vehicle applications.

Marco Maniscalco, the Head of Software-Based Layer/Network Design at Mercedes-Benz, expressed, "Alloy Kore brings new possibilities to SDV development. Its scalable common foundation, which integrates safety, security, and performance, unlocks avenues for vehicle innovation. This onboard software platform holds the potential to enable automakers to rapidly deliver cutting-edge software experiences and propel the evolution of vehicle software architecture."

QNX President John Wall added, "The complexity of SDV development has increased exponentially, but the solution lies not in building more, but in building smarter. Alloy Kore abstracts the complexity embedded in automotive software foundations, providing OEMs an environment that allows focus on essential innovations such as advanced driver-assistance systems and personalized in-vehicle experiences. This platform is a strategic base aimed at the future of connected mobility."

Through the early access program for the Alloy Kore platform, OEMs can engage in prototype development, integration, and provide feedback ahead of the official release of the certified version scheduled for late 2026. This certified version is set to meet the highest standards of functional safety (including ISO 26262 ASIL D) and cybersecurity (ISO/SAE 21434). QNX and Vector aim to facilitate innovation and interoperability across the automotive ecosystem by allowing significant OEMs and industry associations to utilize Alloy Kore as a reference architecture, reflecting their shared vision of advancing open standards for next-gen mobility, safety, and performance.

Matthias Traub, President and Managing Director of Vector, stated, "Alloy Kore marks a pivotal moment for how OEMs approach the software-defined future. By utilizing a scalable and modular platform, manufacturers can reduce integration efforts and significantly speed up their innovation processes, focusing on intelligent, personalized, and safe mobility experiences. The keen interest from OEMs reflects the industry's readiness to move beyond traditional architectures towards a more agile, application-centered approach."

Live Demo at CES 2026

CES 2026 is the stage for a live demonstration of Alloy Kore. Attendees can visit the QNX booth (West Hall, #4024) from January 6 to 9, 2026, or schedule a meeting with representatives by contacting via email at [email protected]. More details can be found at QNX.com, and updates can be followed on social media through @QNX News.

Conclusion

The unveiling of Alloy Kore signifies a major step forward for the automotive industry's adaptation to rapidly evolving technology demands. By providing a streamlined and flexible platform that addresses the core challenges of SDV innovation, both QNX and Vector are poised to redefine the landscape of vehicle technology development, fostering a new age of connected, intelligent automobiles.