In this episode of "Driving the Future," we dive deep into the software revolution transforming the automotive industry. Industry leaders from Renault, Valeo, Vector, and Jefferies share their perspectives on how software is becoming the foundation of the modern vehicle—reshaping everything from design and user experience to business models and investment strategies.

Discover how the shift to software-defined vehicles is driving unprecedented collaboration across OEMs, suppliers, and technology partners. Our guests discuss the challenges and opportunities of over-the-air updates, the need for new skills and faster innovation, and the evolving relationship between automakers, investors, and customers.

We explore the impact of software on vehicle longevity, the emergence of new mobility business models, and the critical role of data in creating safer, more personalized, and more sustainable transportation. Looking ahead to 2030, the conversation covers electrification, autonomy, and the exciting future of mobility powered by software and open ecosystems.

Tune in for expert insights, real-world examples, and a candid look at the road ahead for the automotive industry.

Speakers featured in this episode :

Philippe Houchois

Managing Director, Jefferies

Laurence Bechon

COO Software République, Renault Group

Derek de Bono

Vice President Software Defined Vehicle, Valeo Group

Benjamin Ramel

Embedded software product line manager, Vector France

In this episode of Driving the Future, we bring you insights from Rising Star Speak by Automotive News Europe. Sebastian Wolf from Volkswagen’s PowerCo and Chiara Kalenberg from Capgemini discuss how localized battery production can accelerate Europe’s electric vehicle ambitions and help close the gap with dominant players like CATL.

They explore the regulatory challenges facing the industry, the transformative role of digital innovation, and the critical skills needed to build a resilient and sustainable battery ecosystem. Tune in to hear how collaboration, technology, and bold thinking are shaping the next chapter of Europe’s EV journey.

Episode courtesy : Automotive News Europe podcast - https://www.autonews.com/sponsored/in-the-drivers-seat/the-battery-strategy-that-aims-to-lead-europes-ev-future-insights-from-volkswagen-and-capgemini-leaders/

In this episode of Driving the Future, Christian Hummel - Executive Vice President, Global

Head of Automotive at Capgemini Invent - shares with us how excited he is about the future

of the automotive as he believes it to be the industry which has seen the most change within

the last 20 years, with everything from energy, technology and digitalisation all changing and

presenting new challenges and ideas.

Christian is joined by Tassilo Wirth - Head of Data Analytics & Business Intelligence for the

Connected Car at BMW - and talks in depth about how he’s helped shape an established

brand to be more reflective of the future, with teams and talent recruited far and wide to bring

new ideas, innovation and be able to work at speed based on real time feedback.

In this conversation, both Christian and Tassilo discuss when BMW first joined the connected

car market and how the offering and capabilities have changed as the products have grown

and developed. Tassilo demonstrates how Data is treated to ensure it’s quality from over 20

million cars around the world, to ensure customers are seeing real time updates to their

driving experience, security and entertainment offerings. We learn more about how BMW is

now more reflective of a tech organisation and how this has widened the talent pool and

experiences for people wanting to work within the automotive industry. So, what are BMW

looking for when recruiting? What tools and packages do you need to know? In this episode,

we learn the answers and how good coffee is important too.