#Japan #Automotive Industry #Tokyo #Software-Defined Vehicles #QNX

Identifying Trends in the Automotive Sector for 2026

As we embark on the year 2026, significant transformations are taking place in the automotive industry, primarily driven by the increase in Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs). In 2025, a critical turning point was achieved, shifting from traditional technology competitions to an era where value creation is deeply rooted in software. Japan's economic direction, as outlined in the updated "Mobility DX Strategy," aims for a 30% share of the world market for SDVs by 2030 and 2035.

Despite this promising trajectory, Japan faces unique challenges, such as low confidence in regulatory compliance among developers, stagnant productivity, and lengthy development cycles. According to QNX’s report on SDV development, Japanese developers recognize the importance of cross-industry collaboration, but the implementation of such cooperation is lagging, reflecting a distinct cultural and organizational gap.

Key Trends Shaping the Automotive Industry

1. Shift of OEMs Towards Application Layer: The focus is moving from infrastructure development to enhancing in-vehicle experiences. OEMs are now prioritizing differentiation at the application layer, supporting the increasing 78% of Japanese developers who are concentrating on this area. However, with only 14% expressing high satisfaction with productivity, there’s a pressing need to concentrate on application development while relying on reliable foundational systems. Initiatives like the Foundational Vehicle Software Platform (FVSP) from QNX and Vector are crucial for enabling Japanese OEMs to maximize their application value.

2. Emergence of Centralized Architecture Around HPC: High-Performance Computing (HPC) is becoming integral to SDVs, especially with the rise of AI and machine learning functions necessitating complex real-time processing. Key requirements for foundational software now include safety, determinism, and seamless scalability. With around 42% of Japanese developers finding functional safety particularly challenging, advancing HPC solutions like the QNX SDP 8.0 is essential for meeting market needs.

3. Increasing Importance of Collaborative Ecosystems: As SDV integration intensifies, the complexity of technologies grows, demanding collaborative efforts across industries. While 83% of Japanese developers agree on the necessity of such collaboration, the actual execution remains at a disappointing 33%. Many organizations are recognizing the need for integrated software platforms to facilitate cooperation, with the FVSP being positioned as a practical solution for overcoming existing barriers.

4. Expansion of SDV Architecture Across Industries: The successful design philosophy of automotive software-defined architectures is beginning to influence sectors like robotics, industrial equipment, and aerospace. This transition highlights Japan’s potential to demonstrate technological superiority in high-reliability areas such as healthcare and defense.

QNX's Achievements in 2025

Throughout 2025, QNX made significant progress in advancing the foundations for SDVs. This includes collaborations with Vector and TTTech Auto on the FVSP, partnerships with Microsoft, and the integration of SDP 8.0 within the Eclipse Foundation’s S-CORE project. Additionally, the QNX OS for Safety 8 has been incorporated into NVIDIA’s development kit, supporting efforts to address global engineering shortages.

QNX's Commitment for 2026

Looking ahead to 2026, QNX will focus on several key initiatives:

• - Strengthening the QNX Everywhere Initiative: This aims to expand a developer ecosystem trained in QNX, facilitating easier learning and innovation in embedded systems. By nurturing skilled developers, QNX hopes to assist OEMs in acquiring the right talent.
• - Expanding into Broader Embedded Markets: QNX recognizes the demand for software-defined solutions in mission-critical areas, striving to extend its influence beyond automotive to sectors like industrial automation and medical devices.
• - Promotion of FVSP: With the unveiling of FVSP at CES, QNX aims to alleviate the burdensome software integration processes faced by automotive manufacturers, allowing them to focus on developing innovative consumer applications that enhance brand loyalty and value creation.

By continuously addressing the trends and challenges of the automotive sector, QNX is committed to accelerating value creation alongside the Japanese automotive industry, ensuring a robust foundation for evolving towards SDVs in 2026.