Access
Login/Register
Supplier Login
As the automotive industry transitions toward software-defined vehicles (SDVs), electrical and electronic (E/E) architecture is becoming a critical foundation for next-generation mobility platforms. To support this transformation, Arrow Electronics has launched a strategic initiative and dedicated research hub aimed at helping automakers and Tier-1 suppliers modernize vehicle electronic systems and accelerate development of centralized computing architectures.
Modern vehicles are evolving into highly connected, intelligent systems that require significantly greater computing power, software integration, and real-time data processing. Traditional automotive architectures, which rely on numerous independent electronic control units (ECUs), are increasingly unable to meet the performance, scalability, and efficiency requirements of future mobility platforms.
The shift toward next-generation E/E architecture replaces these fragmented systems with centralized or zonal computing platforms capable of managing multiple vehicle functions simultaneously. According to Arrow Electronics, this transition can reduce vehicle wiring complexity by up to 20%, contributing to lighter vehicle designs, improved energy efficiency, and simplified software updates throughout the vehicle lifecycle.
The company’s initiative combines engineering services, software expertise, and supply chain support to help automotive manufacturers navigate the growing complexity of software-defined mobility. Arrow positions itself as a system-level solution aggregator, bridging the gap between semiconductor components, interconnect technologies, embedded software, and integrated vehicle systems.
Arrow’s automotive engineering capabilities cover both semiconductor and IP&E (interconnect, passive, and electromechanical) technologies, supported by global sourcing and supply chain management services. The company also provides expertise in AUTOSAR, automotive cybersecurity, and functional safety standards, which are becoming increasingly important as vehicles adopt centralized computing and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
The initiative further strengthens Arrow’s position in automotive software and engineering following its acquisitions of iQmine and Avelabs in 2024. These acquisitions expanded the company’s automotive software development capabilities and reinforced its Automotive Center of Excellence, enabling broader support for OEMs developing scalable software-defined vehicle platforms.
In addition to engineering support, Arrow has introduced a dedicated online research hub focused on E/E architecture development. The platform provides technical resources, whitepapers, design tools, and implementation insights intended to help engineers and procurement teams better understand emerging automotive system architectures and reduce development complexity.
Murdoch Fitzgerald, chief growth officer of global services for Arrow’s global components business, described E/E architecture as “the cornerstone of the modern automotive revolution,” emphasizing its importance in enabling the transition from hardware-centric vehicles to intelligent, software-defined mobility systems.
As automakers accelerate investments in electrification, connectivity, autonomous driving, and over-the-air software updates, E/E architecture is expected to become a defining technology area shaping the competitiveness of future vehicle platforms. Arrow’s initiative highlights the growing industry focus on centralized computing, scalable software integration, and resilient automotive supply chains to support the next generation of mobility innovation.
450-Character Description
Arrow Electronics has launched a new initiative and research hub to support next-generation vehicle E/E architecture development. The program helps automakers and Tier-1 suppliers transition toward software-defined vehicles through engineering expertise, automotive software support, and resilient supply chain solutions. The initiative also promotes centralized vehicle computing platforms that improve efficiency, scalability, and software integration.