Leading the development of the IVI solution, Magneti Marelli leveraged its extensive automotive know-how in integrating complex systems and technologies for the vehicle environment. Wind River provided an integrated, tested and validated IVI software platform based on the GENIVI open source standard, as well as customization and consulting services.

“GENIVI provides an innovative platform that allows car manufacturers to offer the next generation of connectivity and multimedia services while retaining the distinguishing features that make up the essence of their brands,” said Alexander Kocher, vice president and general manger for automotive solutions at Wind River. “Starting with BMW, Wind River and Magneti Marelli are providing car manufacturers with an IVI solution, delivering the latest infotainment technologies via open source software, which promotes the acceleration of innovation while reducing time-to-market and development costs.”

“The open platform approach can be considered the basis on which the future of in-vehicle life and infotainment will be built,” said Giuseppe Faranda, director of the infotainment and navigation division at Magneti Marelli. “Magneti Marelli’s history, experience and know-how in automotive electronics and systems integration naturally match this approach.”

Magneti Marelli and Wind River have partnered to deliver a Linux reference platform for in vehicle infotainment, compliant with the emerging GENIVI industry standard. The GENIVI open source platform standard aims to provide automobile manufacturers and their suppliers a common underlying framework to simplify elements of the in-vehicle infotainment development process that have historically been duplicated across the industry.

The new IVI solution, which is compliant with the GENIVI standard, can support a range of control module or “head unit” architectures and is available and customizable for all car manufacturers. Open source software creates a compelling option for Tier 1 suppliers to use as a foundation for IVI devices because it provides greater flexibility and opportunities for innovation, especially in the areas of advanced in-vehicle information, entertainment and connectivity. It also enables sophisticated navigation, telematic and multimedia devices inside automobiles.

The IVI solution will first appear as next-generation entry and mid level IVI systems for BMW Group vehicles. Wind River and Magneti Marelli will continue to work together to maintain and evolve the Linux reference platform as the basis for future product developments.