Car.Software Org acquires camera software business area from HELLA

• Through the acquisition, the software company of the Volkswagen Group will expand its competence in the field of image processing
• Dirk Hilgenberg, CEO of the Car.Software Org: “We are strengthening our competence for the development of safe and innovative driving functions.”
• Car.Software Org develops assistance systems and automated driving functions for all brands of the Volkswagen Group

“By acquiring the camera software business area of HELLA together with the relevant image processing know-how, we are continuing our strategy of developing key software components in-house in the future. This way, we will boost the development of competence in the field of computer vision within the Car.Software Org and strengthen our position for the development of safe and innovative driving functions,” says Dirk Hilgenberg, CEO of the Car.Software Org.

“Our departure from the front camera software business is based on strict portfolio management. We are therefore pleased to have found a partner in Volkswagen to continue the strategic development of these activities,” says Dr. Rolf Breidenbach, CEO of HELLA. “Irrespective of this development, we will continue to invest consistently in future-oriented automotive areas such as e-mobility, automated driving, software and digitalization.“

Development of key competence for automated driving

The Car.Software Org is developing driver assistance systems up to automated driving and parking on behalf of all Group brands. Image processing is a key competence in this area with growing strategic relevance for the future. The objective is to generate a precise image of the vehicle’s surroundings using data from cameras and other sensors. This will allow the vehicle to detect its environment and to determine its position, to predict situations and to carry out proactive maneuvers.

The acquisition of the long-standing expertise of HELLA Aglaia will represent a key element in these efforts. The software specialist has a high level of competence in the development and validation of image processing software in the automotive environment. This especially includes optical and AI-based systems allowing vehicles to detect and classify elements of their surroundings such as objects, lights, lanes and traffic signs.