Code Becomes King in the US Car Market

Automakers push deeper into software as Aumovio and Ford chase an edge in the coming mobility fight

24 Nov 2025

The American auto industry is moving through a fast pivot as software shifts from supporting role to central force. Ideas once treated as distant goals now shape how vehicles are designed, built, and updated.

A new report from the Capgemini Research Institute captures the moment. It finds that nearly every major automaker expects to operate more like a software firm, a view that has pushed companies to reorganize teams and sharpen digital plans. Only a small share remain slow to act, and even those feel rising pressure.

Suppliers are stepping up too. Aumovio recently pledged 110 million dollars to grow its Texas footprint, with a new site set to open in 2027. The move reflects surging demand for smarter driver assistance and more connected cars. Ford is charting its own push. This spring it folded its FNV4 architecture groups into a single unit to simplify development and speed the release of features that can update across a car's life.

Industry leaders say the stakes are growing. Markus Winkler of Capgemini argues that software skill now serves as a key gauge of readiness. Analysts agree, noting that strong digital foundations will help automakers meet new rules, secure their systems, and tap fresh revenue streams. Many expect a rise in deals as companies hunt for talent and tools that are easier to acquire than build.

The shift is not painless. Automakers face a tight market for engineers, and blending new code with older platforms can be slow and costly. Yet many executives view these challenges as chances to rethink long held practices. The push for unified software systems is encouraging deeper collaboration and shared standards across the sector.

Optimism remains high. Leaders see software centered vehicles as a path to safer roads, smoother updates, and stronger customer ties. With investment climbing and legacy processes reshaped, analysts say the coming years could bring the most significant advances in modern automotive history.

The signal is unmistakable: the firms that invest early and with conviction are the ones most likely to guide the future of mobility.