HERE Technologies and Amazon Web Services (AWS), a subsidiary of Amazon.com, have announced the launch of SDV Accelerator at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich. The initiative aims to provide automotive companies with a tailored solution for developing software-defined vehicles (SDVs). SDV Accelerator offers a comprehensive architecture, sample code, and curated AWS services and partner solutions available through AWS Marketplace.
The SDV Accelerator is part of an expanded collaboration between HERE and AWS that began in 2022. It is designed to address challenges faced by automakers, such as fragmented development environments and traditional supply chain models. The platform brings together offerings from Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) selected by both companies, focusing on cloud-native implementations for the automotive sector.
Automotive teams working on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), in-vehicle infotainment, and other vehicle functions can use the guidance provided by SDV Accelerator to integrate partner tools into their existing development environments. This approach allows manufacturers, suppliers, and ISVs to concentrate on innovation rather than infrastructure integration.
The initiative also integrates HERE’s mapping and location technology into the platform. Automakers can use the HERE Navigation SDK to build navigation interfaces and test ADAS features within virtualized environments. A key feature is SceneXtract, a simulation tool developed jointly by HERE and AWS that enables rapid generation of virtual driving scenarios for training autonomous driving functions.
Industry partners involved include Arm, Elektrobit, FORVIA, Micware, Mireo, NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS, Panasonic Automotive Systems, and QNX. Additional technologies are expected to be added for automakers and tier 1 suppliers using SDV Accelerator.
According to the announcement, SDV Accelerator aims to improve development efficiency with up to 70% faster cycles, reduce R&D costs by up to 30%, and increase testing capabilities sevenfold. The open architecture supports industry standards like SOAFEE (Scalable Open Architecture for Embedded Edge), helping ensure interoperability while allowing automakers control over their systems.
Ozgur Tohumcu, General Manager of Automotive & Manufacturing at AWS said: “The SDV Accelerator represents a breakthrough solution to the automotive industry’s most pressing challenge: getting innovative vehicles to market faster. By more seamlessly integrating cloud-native tools with proven partner solutions, we’re helping empower automotive manufacturers to focus on what truly matters—breakthrough innovation. This game-changing platform allows OEMs to maintain control over their technology decisions and supplier networks while helping eliminate traditional integration bottlenecks that have historically slowed progress.”
Remco Timmer, Senior Vice President and Head of Automotive Solutions at HERE Technologies stated: "The shift to software-defined vehicles demands a new model, one that fosters collaboration with the ability to differentiate. SDV Accelerator gives automakers the power to build and manage their software and technology in a way that keeps them focused on innovation throughout the SDV lifecycle. With an open partner environment and scalable architecture, it helps automakers to reduce cycle time and embrace collaboration while maintaining control over their brand experience and product roadmap.”
Partner organizations also commented on their involvement:
Dipti Vachani of Arm said: “With growing demand for intelligent AI-defined experiences in the vehicle, traditional linear automotive development timelines are no longer sustainable. SDV Accelerator fosters a collaborative ecosystem that provide automakers and their partners with access to solutions from Arm, running virtually in the cloud, to reduce complexity, enable early software development and accelerate time to market for next-generation vehicles.”
Jagan Rajagopalan from Elektrobit Automotive GmbH noted: “At Elektrobit...By combining our Virtual IVI, AUTOSAR-based platforms...with HERE’s advanced location intelligence...developers [can] design...digital cockpit experiences entirely in the cloud.”
Mona Levacher from FORVIA stated: “At Appning by FORVIA...By combining cloud-native workflows with Appning’s scalable Apps Market platform...we help automakers deliver personalized...digital experiences in the car accelerating the shift from hardware to software value creation.”
Kenji Narushima of Micware commented: “In today’s Software Defined Vehicle (SDV) development...Micware will participate in this initiative...creating an environment where manufacturers can focus on their unique functions...We aim to help deliver fast and high-quality services..."
Dr. Ivica Siladić at Mireo said: “This is a very promising initiative...It will certainly help facilitate creation of more sophisticated infotainment systems..."
Yuji Tamai from NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS remarked: “Mobile connectivity is becoming increasingly vital…NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS is pleased…to participate as one of the industry partners…committed to providing global connectivity services…”
Andrew Poliak at Panasonic Automotive Systems America stated: “By helping enable true bit-parity development in the cloud…our shift-left approach dramatically accelerates time-to-market…Combined with…the SDV accelerator partner network…we jointly empower automakers…”
Grant Courville at QNX added: “At QNX…Our OS…and Hypervisor technologies are purpose-built for secure…integration into modern SDV workflows…By collaborating with HERE and AWS through…the new SDV Accelerator initiative…we’re thrilled…”
More information about accessing or partnering with SDV Accelerator can be found at aws.amazon.com/here or https://aws.amazon.com/partners/sdvaccelerator/.