STOCKHOLM, Sweden — Through a new software standard called AUTOSAR (Automotive Open System Architecture), the Volvo Group will open up for new software suppliers. In addition to the traditional suppliers, independent software developers could become part of Volvo Group’s supplier base, the company said.

“AUTOSAR gives the automotive industry the possibility to combine software applications from one supplier with hardware from another supplier. This is to be compared to how different programs can be installed in a desktop PC,” says Anders Ydergård, senior VP of Vehicle Research and Development.

Traditionally, OEMs have relied on suppliers delivering complete solutions, control units with built-in software and thereby less flexibility. Through AUTOSAR, there is now a standard specifying a hardware-independent software interface. The relation with the hardware supplier will remain but as it will be possible to add any software, a wide range of new suppliers can enter the market — from big suppliers in the telecom industry to small entrepreneurial companies, the truck and carmaker said.