Mentor Graphics has acquired MontaVista Software’s Linux-based “Automotive Technology Platform.” The move comes in response to growing demand from top-tier automotive suppliers and OEMs for embedding Linux and Android in infotainment, instrument cluster, and telematics systems.

Mentor claims to be the largest commercial automotive IVI (in-vehicle infotainment) Linux supplier, and says the acquisition of these assets from MontaVista will help it be prepared to meet increasing worldwide demand for Linux- and Android-based IVI system development.

“Our combined Linux- and Android-based automotive infotainment platform, together with our Sourcery CodeBench development tools and our extensive professional services capability, will allow us to more closely collaborate with automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to build next-generation automotive infotainment systems,” stated Mark Mitchell, general manager of Mentor Graphics Open Source Embedded Solutions.

“Today, Mentor and MontaVista Automotive IVI assets are in production at three automotive OEMs,” Mitchell continued. “They are in active development for next-generation vehicles by seven automotive Tier 1 suppliers and will go to production with additional OEMs within the year.”

The company says it has participated in numerous automotive-oriented technical working groups, including SAE International, AUTOSAR and the GENIVI Alliance.

“With over 45 million automobiles sold each year, auto manufacturers are keenly aware of the impact of IVI systems as a key differentiator with consumers. This includes the need to integrate technologies such as voice-recognition, touch screens, web browsing, GPS, and connectivity between automobile and smartphones — all dependent on embedded software.

The GENIVI Alliance is driving standards for the broad adoption of open source IVI development platforms; Mentor has been elected to its board of directors. All of the platforms are designed to be custom-tailored to meet the unique needs of each OEM and Tier 1 supplier. Mentor provides an extensive professional services team to work in partnership with customers to develop customized and differentiated IVI solutions in the highly competitive automotive market.

For further information visit Mentor’s website.