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Digitalization in the automotive industry

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DERTOUR
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BMW Group Logo
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DERTOUR
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Dräger Logo
kuka
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Mercedes
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Das Logo der Bundesagentur für Arbeit
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Mercedes
Volkswagen Logo
DEKRA
stihl
Sonax_logo
Weidmüller logo
Das Logo der Bundesagentur für Arbeit
HomeServicesDigitalization of the automotive industry

Automotive software engineering with a business focus

Digitalization in the automotive industry requires software that directly supports business objectives without vendor lock-in. We develop customized automotive software: from the cloud platform to the app; secure and scalable.

Our teams combine automotive software engineering, automotive cloud and automotive cybersecurity with a clear E2E approach: discover, design, develop, operate. We do not sell licenses or hardware, but take responsibility for impact, code quality and 24/7 operation.

Less technology. Better Business.

Automotive Engineering: Independent, pragmatic, effective

End-to-end without lock-in

From exploration to 24/7 operation: we deliver the architecture, code and automotive cloud from a single source. As we do not sell licenses, you remain independent and retain full control over the roadmap and assets.

Security by Design & Compliance

We embed automotive cybersecurity from day one. We close gaps immediately through test automation directly in the CI/CD and threat modeling. This ensures auditable evidence for TISAX and UNECE R155 without slowing down the release speed.

Modernization without standstill

We decouple grown systems using intelligent abstraction layers. In this way, we pave the way for modern cloud architectures and automotive software, while your existing business remains stable and risk-free.

Cloud-native & scalability

We create platforms that grow with you. Thanks to Everything as a Code and API-as-a-Product, your infrastructure remains flexible. Whether load peaks or new markets: we guarantee performance and cost efficiency in 24/7 operation.

Hand holding a smartphone from which colorful, glowing digital symbols and rectangles in shades of blue, purple, and pink burst out explosively.

Apps

From concept to rollout: We develop apps that deliver measurable results—intuitive, secure, and built to seamlessly integrate technologies such as AI and IoT.

Topic Apps
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Cloud

With the right cloud architecture, we combine technology and business value: automated, secure, scalable. This allows us to create space for innovation and sustainable competitiveness.

Topic Cloud
A person works in a dark room at several computer screens displaying complex data and programs.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity starts with clarity: We protect your systems, data, and processes with security by design—from risk analysis and penetration testing to DORA and NIS 2 compliance.

Topic Cybersecurity
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Data & AI

Aus Daten werden Entscheidungen, aus KI entsteht Wertschöpfung. Wir entwickeln datengetriebene Strategien, Modelle und Systeme, die Ihr Unternehmen messbar intelligenter machen.

Topic Data & AI
Digital data streams move in shades of pink and blue across a dark background.

Digital Design & UX

Good design takes a holistic approach—from the vision to the finished product. We create user-centered, evidence-based experiences that reduce complexity and have a real impact.

Topic Digital Design & UX
A small robot stands on a microchip, surrounded by technological devices.

Embedded Systems & Robotics

Intelligent systems start deep in the code. MaibornWolff develops robust embedded software and robotics solutions that perfectly combine precision, safety, and performance.

Topic Embedded
A highly automated factory in which a robotic arm with a digital interface operates in a futuristic environment.

Industry 4.0

Production processes are becoming smart, connected, and self-learning. We support you in the digital transformation of your factory—with IoT, cloud, edge, and AI for measurable efficiency.

Topic Industry 4.0
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IoT

Connected products create new business models. We combine hardware, software, and the cloud to create secure, scalable IoT solutions that make data usable and systems intelligent.

Topic IoT
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IT Consulting

Think strategically, implement operationally: MaibornWolff develops IT organizations, architectures, and processes that enable change and lead your business to sustainable success.

Topic IT Consulting
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IT modernization

Outdated systems slow down innovation. We modernize your IT during ongoing operations—with a clear strategy, clean code, and a focus on future viability and stability.

Topic IT Modernization
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Quality Engineering

Quality is not created at the end, but right from the start. We integrate testing, automation, and engineering to make software reliable, secure, and future-proof.

Topic Quality Engineering
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Experience VR/AR

Experiences become immersive, processes tangible. We develop XR solutions for training, simulation, and product presentation—interactive, realistic, and technically advanced.

Topic VR/AR
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Web

Today, web platforms are ecosystems. MaibornWolff develops high-performance, accessible, and scalable solutions with modern stacks—from headless CMS to API-first architectures.

Topic Web

Who we start the engine for

We don't build castles in the air, but software that arrives on the road (and in the factory). Whether you are networking entire fleets or tracking the last screw in the warehouse - we pick you up where your legacy systems reach their limits.

OEM & Tier-1: Scaling without pain

Do you want to roll out automotive IoT, but legacy IT is putting the brakes on? We integrate sensor technology and cloud analytics into your landscape - without any downtime.

  • The approach: decouple legacy systems, deliver clean APIs, scale vehicle connectivity.
  • The effect: shorter cycles, stable releases and no more night shifts due to botched deployments.
Product IT & apps: services that drivers love

For teams that do not see automotive software development as an end in itself, but want to build real D2C channels. We deliver backends that don't fall to their knees even during peak loads.

  • The approach: connecting mobile apps with the automotive cloud. From predictive services to updates - all TISAX-compliant.
  • The effect: fast feedback through analytics, happy users in the app store and features that are actually used.
Production & logistics: data instead of gut feeling

From the store floor to the cloud, but without hype bingo, please. We implement Industry 4.0 in the automotive industry to give you transparency in real time.

  • The approach: networking machines and sensors - for real digital twins and predictive maintenance.
  • The effect: less downtime, clear OEE targets and production that simply runs like clockwork.
Two people sit at a table and work together on a laptop.
Let's talk about your next releases

In 30 minutes, we clarify goals, risks and next steps: non-binding, practical, at eye level. If little technology is enough, we'll say so.

Automotive security: mastering complexity, overcoming hurdles

Security in the vehicle is not a feature that can be quickly bolted on at the end - even if we know that the project plan would sometimes like it to be. We ensure that security, compliance and legacy systems are not a brake, but the engine for modern architectures. This is how we turn mandatory exercises into real competitive advantages.

Regulation & efficiency

Cost pressure is increasing, but requirements such as UNECE R155/156 or ISO/SAE 21434 do not tolerate cutbacks. We prevent compliance from blowing up your budgets: we integrate TARA and threat models directly into the development process through security-by-design and automated CI/CD checks. In this way, auditable evidence is created efficiently and in parallel with development, instead of in expensive extra rounds.

Updates despite legacy load
Safety first meets agile speed
Industry 4.0 in the automotive industry

In the automotive industry, Industry 4.0 means bringing together data from machines, warehouses and vehicles, automating processes and making quality visible. We connect store floor, cloud and BI - pragmatically, interoperably, step by step instead of big bang.

Successful automotive software development projects

  • A fleet of self-driving trucks from MAN on a spacious test site.
    MAN - ATLAS L4. Control Center for the autonomous truck

    We developed a control center for MAN's autonomous truck. This comprises basic remote functions, including monitoring, remote support, mission handling and reporting functions. The functions are constantly being expanded to meet operational and regulatory requirements.

    To the MAN reference
    MAN - ATLAS L4. Control Center for the autonomous truck
    Control Center

    for driverless trucks

    Visualization

    of the vehicle data

    Research project

    on autonomous driving

    To the MAN reference
  • Header_NOW
    NOW: National Organization for Change in Mobility: development of a data warehouse system

    A country is electrifying itself - the National Organization for Change in Mobility is coordinating the expansion. In just five months, we developed a cloud-based data warehouse that integrates and evaluates data sources. Efficient processing for well-founded decisions in the e-mobility sector.

    To the NOW reference
    NOW: National Organization for Change in Mobility: development of a data warehouse system
    Project duration

    5 months

    Cloud data warehouse

    Secure data integration

    Team

    Data and software engineers

    To the NOW reference
  • A red MAN truck drives along an empty road under a clear night sky with shining stars.
    MAN: Efficient threat analysis for control units

    Digitalization increases cyber risks - especially for MAN's new CM4 control unit. Our experts use the 4×6 methodology and ThreatSea to identify threats at an early stage and develop targeted protective measures. Find out how MAN uses intelligent risk analysis to strengthen the security of its vehicles.

    See MAN reference
    MAN: Efficient threat analysis for control units
    Project duration

    7 months

    Over 20 workshops

    Threat analyses

    Over 500

    Potential risks evaluated

    See MAN reference
  • VW drives through tunnel at night
    VW: Digitization of key production figures with the iProcess app

    Less paper, more efficiency: Volkswagen replaces analog processes with the iProcess app. Cloud-native technologies and digital design enable intuitive recording and analysis of key production figures. This increases transparency and overall equipment effectiveness and paves the way for predictive maintenance at the automotive group.

    See VW reference
    VW: Digitization of key production figures with the iProcess app
    Project duration

    since January 2021

    Team size

    5 to 10 persons

    Fast app development

    thanks to Digital Design

    See VW reference
  • Cars on assembly line in factory
    BMW Group: Replacement of a production-critical legacy system

    20-year-old system, new digital future. We gradually migrated production software to a flexible architecture. After two years, central plants were running on the new solution - stable, fail-safe and ready for the challenges of tomorrow.

    See BMW Group reference
    BMW Group: Replacement of a production-critical legacy system
    Project duration

    Mid-2018 to the beginning of 2024

    Team size

    25 employees

    Legacy system

    replaced after 20 years

    See BMW Group reference
  • Sports car parked in a colorful desert landscape.
    Mixed reality: driving a real car in a virtual world

    Virtual racing in a real car? MaibornWolff made it possible for the BMW M. Within three months, we used Unreal Engine 4 to develop a prototype that processes vehicle signals with high performance and creates an immersive driving experience without motion sickness. The cockpit remains real, the surroundings become the racetrack.

    See BMW reference
    Mixed reality: driving a real car in a virtual world
    <3 months

    From the vision to the prototype

    3D applications

    in real time

    Team

    Unreal development, XR technology, game design, smart devices, 3D content

    See BMW reference
  • Man checks MAN trucks at sunset.
    MAN: Secure Software Development Life Cycle

    Trucks are networked - and therefore unfortunately also targets for attack. With SSDLC, MAN relies on security by design and integrates the highest security standards directly into development. Together with 22 teams, we have established security measures that go beyond the legal requirements.

    See MAN reference
    MAN: Secure Software Development Life Cycle
    Project duration

    22 months

    UNECE R155
    successfully integrated
    Methods

    Security Champions, DevSecOps, OWASP SAMM

    See MAN reference
  • The dashboard of a car shows a display with a notification about a remote software upgrade.
    BMW Group: Remote software upgrade for vehicles

    No visits to the workshop, no stress - thanks to Remote Software Upgrade, BMW vehicles worldwide remain up-to-date "over-the-air". MaibornWolff has been developing and operating the backend for secure updates for over three years. Microservice architectures and DevOps approaches guarantee stability, performance and security.

    See BMW Group reference
    BMW Group: Remote software upgrade for vehicles
    Project duration

    5 years

    Millions of vehicles

    receive new features thanks to "over-the-air" upgrade

    IT security

    Always up-to-date thanks to remote software upgrade

    See BMW Group reference
  • A person wearing virtual reality glasses drives a car in an urban environment at night with illuminated buildings in the background.
    BMW Group: Virtual reality brings vehicle design to life

    From the first draft to series production - BMW uses VR to visualize the entire development process. Based on the Unreal Engine, a uniform platform visualizes designs and processes. This saves on hardware prototypes and enables location-independent collaboration. MaibornWolff plays a key role in driving the development and integration of these VR use cases.

    See BMW Group reference
    BMW Group: Virtual reality brings vehicle design to life
    Project duration

    3.2 years

    Cooperation

    Location-independent and virtual

    Infrastructure

    Scalable and expandable thanks to the cloud

    See BMW Group reference

Our approach: Discover, develop, operate

We do not deliver films, but results that arrive on the street. Our process is radically designed for time-to-market and risk minimization. From initial exploration to 24/7 operation, we work in a technology-agnostic way and without vendor lock-in - so that you generate maximum business value as quickly as possible.

An infographic shows the process of Automotive Software Engineering

Software speed meets engineering precision

We know that: A car is not a smartphone. Two worlds often collide in your projects - the software teams' desire to "Move Fast & Iterate" and the "Zero Defect" reality of hardware development. We resolve this cultural conflict.

Our teams speak both languages: We synchronize agile sprints with the milestones of vehicle development. We bring product owners, IT and specialist departments together and ensure that time-to-market does not fail due to internal silos. We not only deliver code, but also the methodical bridge to give your transformation traction.

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Frequently asked questions about digitalization in the automotive industry

  • Do legacy systems have to be switched off completely to become cloud-native?

    No, we rely on the principle of decoupling: we build modern APIs and gateways in front of your legacy systems (e.g. mainframes). This allows new apps and services to be developed quickly while the legacy system continues to run stably in the background until it can be migrated step by step.
  • Does MaibornWolff also take over the operation of the developed solutions?

    We do not think in terms of projects, but in terms of products. Once the first version (MVP) has been completed, the product life cycle is just beginning. We take you along during development and empower you. So you can continue to develop the product yourself - or we can go further together.

  • How do you ensure that AI projects do not stop at the "proof of concept" stage?

    By getting to the root of the problem: data quality. Many AI initiatives fail due to poor data. We therefore often start with data exploration and business intelligence to create a clean basis. Only then do we scale use cases - from chatbots in aftersales to predictive maintenance in production - in such a way that they deliver real ROI.

Know-hows on the topic of "Digitalization in the automotive industry"

    A fleet of self-driving trucks from MAN on a spacious test site.
    From the automotive industry to the financial sector: continue to the next deep dive here

    Why MaibornWolff?

    As one of the most innovative IT service providers with a great passion for AI, we focus entirely on the project business and individual software development - without our own products. To stay at the forefront, we continuously invest in our team of digital technology engineers and develop digital solutions that are well thought-out, efficient and reduced to the essentials.

    Our principle: simplicity instead of complexity. We only develop what is really needed - tailor-made, useful and reliable. Our results speak for themselves. With over 800 large-scale systems and more than 10,000 person-years of experience in high-end software engineering, we are one of the few who can reliably implement even the largest and most complex IT landscapes. Thanks to close partnerships with leading hyperscalers, our customers operate their solutions in today's most modern and powerful environments.

    Less technology. Better Business.

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