Sonatus, a software company that plays a crucial role in the automotive industry, helps manufacturers build software-defined vehicles (SDVs). In an interview with Abhilash U. at IAA Transportation 2024, Karine Paulini, Senior Director of Business Development for EMEA & India at Sonatus, explained how the company partners with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1 suppliers to provide software building blocks that integrate seamlessly into vehicle architectures. These software solutions empower manufacturers to create “future-proof” vehicles, which can be enhanced and updated throughout their lifecycle.
“Our mission is to help OEMs and suppliers transform their vehicle offerings by embedding software solutions that not only improve performance but also ensure these vehicles remain relevant and adaptable in the future,” Karine says. “We enable ongoing updates and enhancements, which means the vehicle can evolve long after it has left the factory.”
At IAA Transportation 2024, Sonatus showcased its solutions for trucks, buses, and heavy machinery, including the technologies they currently produce for global automotive leaders like Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. Karine emphasized, “Our solutions are designed to fit any kind of vehicle, and they can bring significant capabilities to industries like transportation and logistics. We bring features such as data collection, function automation, and over-the-air updates, which can vastly improve fleet management and vehicle performance.”
Automating Fleet Management for Enhanced Efficiency
One of the core advantages of Sonatus’ software is its ability to automate and optimize vehicle functions. For example, fleet managers overseeing large numbers of trucks can leverage Sonatus technology to automate tasks like locking doors or ensuring windows are closed after a shift. “Imagine managing a fleet of trucks,” Karine explains. “At the end of the day, you can automate essential tasks like locking the vehicles or ensuring all windows are closed. These are simple, yet powerful features that add tremendous value for operators. We make it possible to collect data that not only helps improve vehicle features but also offers insights to optimize routes and overall fleet efficiency.”
Strategic Importance of the Indian Market
The Indian market holds significant strategic value for Sonatus, both locally and globally. Karine highlights India’s growing importance, stating, “India is a key market for us—both for local players and global manufacturers who have a presence there. The ecosystem of suppliers and manufacturers in India is growing rapidly, and it’s vital for us to establish strong relationships within this market.” With the Indian automotive industry expanding rapidly, Sonatus is well-positioned to collaborate with both local and global OEMs and suppliers in driving the development of software-defined vehicles.
Currently, Sonatus is engaged with a range of automotive manufacturers in India, though Karine is unable to reveal specific names. However, she affirms, “The traction we’re seeing in India is very promising. We’re building strong partnerships and continuing to develop projects with key players in the market. There is a real demand for our software solutions, and that’s something we’re excited to build on in the coming years.”
Reflecting on the company’s experience at IAA Transportation, Karine noted that the event was successful in sparking new business relationships and showcased Sonatus’ products. “It’s been an exciting week with some really productive conversations,” Karine says. “The interest in our solutions has been overwhelming, and we’re looking forward to taking these discussions further. The market traction is definitely there, and we’re excited to continue collaborating with OEMs and suppliers across various vehicle sectors.”
Innovative Products for the SDV Ecosystem
Sonatus showcased four key products aimed at improving vehicle performance, enhancing functionality, and ensuring security, while enabling OEMs to gather and analyze data in real-time. Sujay Patil, Technical Pre-Sales Manager at Sonatus, discussed the company’s offerings. “We’re here to showcase how Sonatus is helping OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers integrate key software solutions into their vehicle controllers,” Sujay explains. “Our products are designed to accelerate the journey toward SDV-enabled vehicles.”
Sonatus presented five products to support the transition to software-defined vehicles (SDVs): Collector, Automator, Guard cybersecurity solution, Updater (an OTA update engine) and Foundation. Sonatus Collector gathers and uploads vehicle data to the cloud for OEM analysis, while Automator dynamically automates functions like wiper activation and cabin settings based on customer preferences. Guard manages network and ECU security to protect against intrusion into the vehicle network, and Sonatus Updater enables over-the-air updates for both firmware and software, improving maintenance and vehicle performance. Last but not least, Sonatus Foundation is a platform with tools for network, data and log management, helping OEMs manage the infrastructure of connected vehicles.
Optimistic Outlook for the Indian Market
When asked about the Indian market’s potential, Sujay expressed optimism. “India has a history of embracing technological shifts quickly. For example, we skipped BS5 emissions standards and moved directly from BS4 to BS6. I believe a similar leap will happen with SDVs, where vehicles currently connected to the internet will jump to more advanced solutions that provide deeper insights into vehicle performance and user behavior,” he states. This rapid adoption of new technologies positions Sonatus well in the Indian market as the demand for SDV solutions grows.
As Sonatus continues to make strides in the global automotive industry, its presence at events like IAA Transportation highlights its growing role in enabling the transition to software-defined vehicles. With a focus on data management, automation, security, and software updates, Sonatus is helping shape the future of connected transportation.