Sectors : Automotive

Pedigree

With a strong heritage centred on its office located in Sophia Antipolis, France, which was previously part of automotive Tier-1 supplier Siemens VDO, Praxis brings a strong reputation and focus on the automotive market.

Focus

• Develop versatile infotainment and/or connectivity solutions based on state of the art mainstream technology and processes.
• Provide expert advice and support for the engineering of safety-critical or safety related automotive control systems.
• Contribute to the development of emerging industry technologies such as ADAS, FMS, Telematics, Location Based Services and their associated software architectures whilst supporting new safety related standards like ISO26262.
• Research and innovation in Human Machine Interface (HMI) technologies

Example Automotive projects

• Luxury car infotainment system. Our involvement included: system development, architecture, frameworks, Human Machine Interface (HMI) principal functionalities, test and integration.
• For Germany's largest OEM: Praxis was responsible for the development of this infotainment software, and significantly reduced lifecycle cost through effective software reuse.
• Engine Management System for large US-based OEM: Praxis was engaged to undertake an independent review of the verification and validation (V&V) approach.
• Throttle by Wire, Steer by Wire systems for well known UK-based OEM: Praxis was engaged to provide assessment activities, including independent verification and validation comprising review of code for MISRA C compliance, V&V of critical (SIL 3) parts and Independent Safety Assessment (ISA).
• Transmission system for one of the world’s fastest production supercars: We undertook a high-level risk assessment for the client.
• Connected multimedia system for one of Korea’s largest OEMs: Praxis provided system development, architecture, frameworks, HMI principal functionalities, test and integration.
• Electronic steering system for world leader in steering innovation: As well as safety engineering support, we provided an Independent Safety Assessment and assessment of conformity to IEC61508.
• Renault F1 regenerative braking system (KERS): Praxis undertook the software safety review and high-level safety study for the battery and battery management system.
• Seamless mobile integration for one of world’s largest OEMs: We advised on architecture, frameworks, HMI, applications and SMI connectivity.

Why Altran Praxis in Automotive?

• Proven ability to work as a system integrator with OEMs, automotive suppliers, service providers, software vendors and network operators.
• Experience of delivering to automotive production quality and deadlines.
• Experience of delivering innovation and automotive prototypes to demanding timescales.
• Deep knowledge of existing and future in-car architectures, HMI paradigms, multimedia solutions, telematics functionality and connectivity technologies.
• Ownership of niche innovative products, methodologies and the ability to offer training in these areas.
• Safety expertise that is recognised by the world’s most prestigious automotive manufacturers.

Market Factors

Ecological sensitivity brings a major change in the automotive mindset leading to a focus on sustainable development and major investment by OEMs, which is often supported by governments and partners.

There is rapid development of electric and hybrid vehicles and associated technologies.

The implementation of recent automotive safety standards such as ISO26262 will require a interpretation and implementation expertise for OEMS and software and service providers within the industry.

The vehicle is becoming a mobile artefact and will be seen as an extension of our connected lifestyle, offering access to tailored services, presented in a safe and useable in-car manner.C2C, C2I and ADAS technologies are examples, where car control systems and head-unit technology will need to converge and manufacturers will need to address the resultant integration and safety challenges.