Advancing Complete Vehicle Engineering with ADAS Simulation through Virtual Development and Global Collaboration

The automotive industry is currently undergoing a profound transformation, driven not only by the shift toward renewable propulsion systems but also by the increasing emphasis on the software-defined vehicle. In combination with accelerating project timelines, this shift creates challenges in integrating electrical and electronic systems throughout the complete vehicle. Magna Vehicle Engineering (MVE) faces these challenges by intensifying the use of virtual development, a strategy that spans the entire vehicle development process and necessitates global collaboration among engineering teams. This publication presents a real-world example of how the automotive sector can transition from a traditional on-premises-environment (OPE) simulation setup to a Simulation-as-a-Service (SIMaaS) model. Our primary focus is on operational and collaborative dimensions, illustrating the significant influence these new approaches have on engineering processes and the wider implications for innovation in the industry. By harnessing platform-based services, enterprises operating on a global scale can implement a fully integrated engineering workflow, thereby facilitating communication, coordination, and co-creation of complex vehicle systems. Overall, by embracing SIMaaS-based solutions, organizations can increase their competitive edge, drive sustainable innovation, and fulfill the growing expectations for advanced vehicle functionalities. The lessons learned from MVE’s experience emphasize the value of a future-oriented development ecosystem, one that harnesses digital tools to optimize not only engineering efficiency but also the global collaborative spirit necessary for tackling the automotive industry’s most pressing challenges worldwide. This perspective fosters transformative growth.