Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On Jan. 5, Schaeffler formally signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement with Neusoft Reach. The two will deepen collaboration around software-defined vehicles (SDVs), pooling their expertise in automotive electronic control units and software platforms to co-develop integrated software-hardware controller solutions for the global market.
Image source: Schaeffler
The partnership will target technical synergy across basic software, middleware and AI development platforms, offering automakers flexible, mass-production–proven delivery options, while exploring how digital twins, artificial intelligence and other frontier technologies can be applied in automotive scenarios.
As partners in this tie-up, Schaeffler, drawing on 25 years of R&D in automotive electronic control systems, will supply core hardware including domain controllers, zonal controllers and central controllers. Its centralized vehicle E/E architecture has developed into a complete ecosystem. Neusoft Reach, for its part, will contribute a middleware development toolchain and full-vehicle software architecture capabilities based on its NeuSAR basic software platform. Through complementary strengths, the two aim to achieve end-to-end coverage from domain-control hardware up through the software stack. The collaboration will lift localization across Schaeffler China's supply chain to a new high, with clear advantages in shorter delivery lead times and faster local service response.
On the implementation front, the companies have already carried out multi-stage joint engineering validation, spanning E/E architecture adaptation, software interface standardization and cross-platform data exchange. To tackle the challenges of scaled SDV deployment, the team will build a modular software platform that lets automakers call up functional components on demand, shortening vehicle development cycles.
Image source: Schaeffler
Next, the two also plan joint research and innovation in digital twins, artificial intelligence and AI-defined vehicles, aiming to advance the industry toward greater intelligence and sustainability.
Du Qiang, president and CTO of Neusoft Reach, said: "Software-defined vehicles are driving deep changes in how the industry collaborates. This strategic partnership with Schaeffler further deepens our long-term technical coordination. Building on our full-vehicle software platform, we will work with Schaeffler to deliver SDV solutions at 'China speed,' offering products that can keep evolving for automakers at home and abroad."
Dr. Chen Xiangbin, president of Schaeffler China's E-Mobility business, noted: "Software-defined vehicles are reshaping the user experience and the driving ecosystem. As a technology company focused on drivetrain technologies, Schaeffler continues to advance intelligent innovation. This collaboration will deepen our integration with the local supply chain, accelerate R&D, improve local responsiveness, and build leading, cost-competitive SDV solutions for customers in China and worldwide."
