In recent years, modern vehicles have seen a significant uptick in the integration of advanced software systems, significantly transforming the driving experience but also presenting new challenges. General Motors (GM) has taken a proactive step to tackle these challenges by developing a state-of-the-art software-testing laboratory within its Global Technical Center. This initiative aims to address software defects in new GM vehicles at an early stage, preventing potential issues from reaching customers and impacting their driving experience.
Addressing Software-Related Challenges
Establishment of the Software-Testing Lab
General Motors’ software-testing lab was established as a direct response to recurring software challenges within the company, highlighted by issues such as the stop-sale order on the Chevrolet Blazer EV. This issue was prompted by intermittent problems with vehicle screens and DC fast charging at public stations. Recognizing the critical need for more efficient and rigorous software testing, GM has developed innovations to catch software defects earlier in the development process, significantly increasing the number of detected issues by tenfold.
This proactive approach has allowed GM to identify underlying software defects that could potentially lead to more significant problems if left unaddressed. The presence of a dedicated software-testing lab means the engineers can simulate real-world scenarios and identify issues before releasing the vehicle to the public. Enhanced testing protocols not only ensure that the software performs optimally but also enhance the overall reliability and safety of GM vehicles. Consequently, potential setbacks are mitigated, and the driving experience remains seamless and enjoyable for customers.
Industry-Wide Challenges
GM is not alone in confronting software glitches in vehicles. Other automotive giants, including Tesla Inc., Stellantis NV, and Volkswagen AG, have all faced similar software-related problems, some of which have led to vehicle recalls. Notably, software-related recalls have seen a significant rise, with over 41.6% of vehicle recalls in 2024 attributed to software issues, up from 14.9% in 2023. This surge underscores the growing complexity and necessity of robust software systems in modern vehicles.
As vehicles become more sophisticated, integrating numerous software-dependent components, the risk of software malfunction increases. The rise in software-related recalls highlights the critical need for advanced testing protocols to anticipate and resolve issues preemptively. The automotive industry must continually adapt to these growing demands, ensuring that every vehicle system not only functions correctly but also integrates seamlessly with other components. The implication for manufacturers is the necessity to invest in leading-edge software testing and development infrastructures, much like GM’s new initiatives, to address these pressing challenges effectively.
Historical Approaches and Evolving Needs
Traditional vs. Modern Approaches
Traditional approaches to software in the automotive industry have often been at odds with the needs of today’s high-tech vehicles. Historically, automakers sourced parts from various suppliers, each with its own software. The pieces were then assembled, often leading to compatibility issues and software conflicts. This outdated method is comparable to the difference in approach between Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, who focused on user experience and software-hardware integration, and Henry Ford, who emphasized assembly line efficiency.
The shift towards a more integrated approach in the software development process is crucial. The need for cohesive software systems that function seamlessly within a vehicle’s architecture has never been more apparent. GM and other legacy automakers are now rethinking their software strategies to align with the complex demands of modern vehicles. This transition requires a fundamental restructuring of how software is developed, tested, and implemented, ensuring that every part of the vehicle’s technology ecosystem functions harmoniously.
Transition to Centralized Computing Systems
Legacy automakers, who once relied heavily on deeply embedded software for specific vehicle functions, are now transitioning to new electronic architectures. These architectures feature centralized computing systems, reducing hundreds of independent electronic control units (ECUs) to a handful of centralized computers. This transition not only simplifies the vehicle’s electronic framework but also allows for over-the-air software updates, adding new features and functionality over time.
The move towards centralized computing systems offers several advantages, including increased efficiency and easier software maintenance. By consolidating numerous ECUs into a centralized system, vehicle manufacturers can streamline software updates, making it easier to introduce new features and improvements. This approach also minimizes the risk of software conflicts and compatibility issues that plagued the traditional method of using multiple, independent ECUs. Transitioning to a centralized computing architecture represents a significant evolution in the automotive industry’s approach to software development, positioning companies like GM at the forefront of innovation.
Strategic Shifts and Innovations at GM
Moving Software Testing “Left”
To address software challenges effectively, GM is moving software testing “left,” meaning earlier in the development cycle. This approach ensures that issues are identified and resolved before the software is integrated into the final product. Dave Richardson, GM’s senior vice president of software and services engineering, emphasized that detecting bugs during the driving phase is too late and expensive to rectify.
Moving testing earlier in the development cycle allows GM to identify potential issues during the initial stages, significantly reducing the resources needed to fix bugs later on. This strategy aligns with best practices in software development, where early detection and resolution of issues lead to a more stable and reliable end product. By employing this proactive approach, GM minimizes the risk of software defects reaching the customer, ensuring a better overall experience. This systematic change signifies a crucial step in refining how software is developed, tested, and integrated within GM’s vehicle lineup.
Early Testing and Validation
GM’s software team now focuses on early testing and validation, utilizing industry-standard tools and processes for better code writing, quality oversight, testing automation, and cloud-based systems testing. The newly established network of software quality labs, accessible globally to developers, supports these efforts. These labs provide hardware benches running automated tests, facilitating early detection of issues.
The use of automated testing tools and cloud-based systems enables GM to validate software modules’ functionality rigorously before they are integrated into the final product. These processes ensure that software meets stringent quality standards and operates reliably within the vehicle’s overall system. The implementation of early testing protocols represents a deliberate shift towards more robust and thorough software development practices. As advancements in automotive software continue, GM’s commitment to early testing and validation sets a new benchmark for the industry, emphasizing the importance of proactive quality assurance measures.
Expansion and Organizational Changes
Replicating Success in Other Locations
GM is replicating the success of its Global Technical Center lab in other locations, including its Canadian technical center and the Mountain View Technical Center in California. These expansions demonstrate GM’s commitment to maintaining high standards in software quality across all its facilities.
By establishing similar labs in various locations, GM aims to ensure consistent software quality and testing protocols are upheld globally. This strategic move not only facilitates better collaboration among GM’s development teams but also allows for more efficient resource utilization. Each location is equipped with the necessary tools and infrastructure to conduct comprehensive software testing, ensuring that new developments align with GM’s rigorous quality standards. These expansions underscore the company’s dedication to enhancing its software testing capabilities, fostering innovation, and maintaining a competitive edge in an increasingly software-driven automotive industry.
Workforce Reduction and Streamlining Operations
However, implementing such comprehensive changes has not been without its challenges. In August, GM laid off over 1,000 salaried employees, including more than 600 from the Global Technical Center in Warren. This workforce reduction was part of an effort to streamline operations and ensure the software and services division could operate more efficiently under new leadership. According to Richardson, these changes were critical for GM’s future in software and aimed at simplifying team structures, removing unnecessary layers, and enabling faster decision-making.
The decision to reduce the workforce, while difficult, was a strategic move to enhance operational efficiency and agility. The streamlined team structure promotes more direct communication and quicker decision-making processes, essential for adapting to the rapidly evolving technology landscape. By consolidating resources and focusing on core competencies, GM positions itself to respond more effectively to the challenges and opportunities presented by the integration of advanced software systems in modern vehicles. These organizational adjustments reflect a forward-thinking approach, prioritizing long-term sustainability and innovation in GM’s software development endeavors.
Inside the Software Quality Lab
Centralized Testing Approach
GM’s software quality lab, operational for just one year, features “benches” or cockpits for every vehicle GM produces. The lab conducts software testing for individual modules, which then progress to full-vehicle integrated benches. This step-by-step testing approach ensures that software defects are caught and resolved early, minimizing risks before vehicles reach the assembly line.
This methodical process involves rigorous testing at every stage, starting from individual module validation to comprehensive system integration. By isolating each component and conducting detailed assessments, GM ensures that every part of the software ecosystem functions as intended. The integrated benches allow engineers to simulate real-world driving conditions, testing the software’s performance under various scenarios. This thorough and layered testing approach significantly enhances the reliability and safety of GM vehicles, providing customers with a seamless and trustworthy driving experience.
Improved Collaboration and Data Tracking
Amy Talerico, GM’s director of test infrastructure, software labs, and vehicle fleets, described the previous disjointed approach where developers maintained their own benches, often leading to confusion and inefficiency. The new centralized lab allows for better collaboration and data tracking, improving the quality of software testing significantly. The lab’s impact is evident in the successful launches of the Chevrolet Silverado EV, Equinox EV, and GMC Sierra EV, with customer feedback reflecting the improvements.
Centralizing the software testing process fosters a more cohesive development environment, where data is consistently tracked and analyzed to identify and resolve issues promptly. The improved collaboration among teams enhances the overall efficiency of the testing process, ensuring that every software component meets GM’s high standards. The centralized lab’s success demonstrates the value of a unified approach to software testing, which not only enhances the quality of GM’s vehicles but also sets a new industry standard for comprehensive and integrated software development practices.
Broader Industry Context
The automotive industry’s challenges with software are not new, but the need for modern development methodologies has become increasingly apparent. Traditionally, vehicle functions like anti-lock brakes or turn signals operated independently via dedicated ECUs. The modern approach consolidates these functions into centralized computing systems with a common software platform, enabling more efficient updates and better overall performance.
Transitioning to software-defined vehicles poses several challenges for automakers, including restructuring their software development teams and adopting new processes. The integration of tech-savvy hires from other industries presents its own set of difficulties, as these developers adapt to the stringent requirements and safety considerations unique to the automotive industry.
Sam Abuelsamid, principal e-mobility analyst at Guidehouse Inc., detailed how deeply embedded software was not designed for updates, whereas the new centralized systems are built with upgradeability in mind. This fundamental shift requires a different organizational approach and advanced testing methodologies to ensure software reliability over the vehicle’s life. As automakers continue to evolve, the focus on software reliability and integration will be paramount in delivering the next generation of vehicles that meet consumers’ expectations for performance and safety.
Moving Forward
In the past few years, there has been a notable trend in the automotive industry towards incorporating advanced software systems in modern vehicles. This shift has considerably changed the driving experience, offering benefits like enhanced safety, connectivity, and convenience features. However, it also brings new challenges, particularly concerning software reliability and security. To address these challenges, General Motors (GM) has taken a forward-thinking approach by establishing an advanced software-testing laboratory at its Global Technical Center. This cutting-edge facility focuses on identifying and rectifying software defects in the early stages of vehicle development. By doing so, GM aims to ensure that potential problems are detected and resolved before the vehicles reach the consumers. This proactive measure is designed to safeguard the driving experience, ensuring that customers enjoy a seamless and reliable performance from their GM vehicles. The establishment of this laboratory underscores GM’s commitment to quality and innovation as they continue to evolve in the rapidly advancing field of automotive technology.
