2025 Automotive Report Focuses on Code Quality, AI, and Safety

The automotive software development landscape is evolving rapidly, with a recent survey highlighting key trends in the industry. According to the 2025 State of Automotive Software Development Report from Perforce, there is a noticeable shift towards prioritizing safety in conjunction with the increased utilization of AI tools. The survey, which involved 650 developers, revealed a growing reliance on AI technologies, accompanied by persistent challenges related to code complexity. Notably, safety has emerged as a primary focus, surpassing security concerns in the development of automotive software.

Among the developers surveyed, safety was identified as the top concern in AI vehicle development by 49% of respondents. This underscores the importance of incorporating additional safety considerations when integrating AI into automotive systems, particularly due to the non-deterministic nature of AI algorithms. To address these challenges, many engineers are turning to the latest ISO8800 AI guidelines to ensure compliance and adherence to functional safety standards.

Jill Britton, Director of Compliance at Perforce, emphasized the critical need to prioritize safety in the development of automotive software, especially as AI systems play an increasingly integral role. Britton highlighted the unique challenges posed by AI technologies in achieving functional safety and underscored the emergence of new standards aimed at guiding the use of AI in safety-critical applications.

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The integration of AI is driving advancements in autonomous vehicle design, with 42% of automotive professionals attributing the evolution to AI technologies. This marks a 9% increase from the previous year, indicating a growing reliance on AI in shaping the future of automotive innovation. Furthermore, AI is influencing various components within connected vehicles, with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) leading the way in AI/ML applications, alongside In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) systems and LiDAR components.

As the automotive industry continues to embrace AI and machine learning technologies, the focus on safety has regained prominence in 2025. Britton highlighted the different applications of AI in automotive software development, emphasizing the importance of understanding how AI is utilized in various contexts. She underscored the need for a nuanced approach to integrating AI, particularly in ensuring that software systems meet functional safety requirements and adhere to industry standards.