MotorTrend and BlackBerry launch Software-Defined Vehicle Innovator Awards
by CM Staff
The two companies encourage OEMs and automotive suppliers to nominate industry professionals in recognition of their work using software to make changes in the auto industry.
LOS ANGELES and WATERLOO — MotorTrend has announced that it will join software company, BlackBerry Limited to launch the Software-Defined Vehicle Innovator Awards.
Through the new awards program, the companies look to acknowledge creators in the automotive industry’s “once-in-a-century transformation” from hardware to software, which they say will redefine how cars are designed, built, driven and experienced.
MotorTrend projects that as personal technology has evolved, software and connected services will eventually become key drivers of value and differentiators for automobile manufacturers.
Furthermore, the company says it used “independent research” from an undisclosed source to say that by 2030, electronics and software will account for 50 per cent of car costs, up 20 per cent from the current average of 30 per cent.
As creators of the automotive awards – Car, Truck and SUV of the Year and its annual Power List – MotorTrend is joining BlackBerry to encourage OEMs and automotive suppliers to nominate industry professionals in recognition of their work using software to improve the driving experience for consumers.
“Speaking with automakers and Tier 1s around the world, nothing is more important to them than software and electronics as both allow them to deliver compelling in-car experiences and differentiate against the competition,” said Mark Wilson, chief marketing officer, BlackBerry in a statement.
