Parallel Drive

Last week I attended the ECV Auto Events in Stuttgart, and I’m still inspired by the discussions where AI, personalization, and design clearly stood out as the three big themes shaping the future of automotive HMI. 🚗✨🤖

A few of my personal highlights:
• Fabian Chowanetz (JD Power) on truly listening to the customer’s voice and the three key opportunities in the AI era.
• Gerrit Grotewold (BMW Group) showing how context can deepen a personalized in-car experience.
• Thomas Dannemann (Qualcomm) demonstrating how GenAI will transform the cockpit—and how Chinese OEMs are stacking computing power for the software demands ahead.
• Xavier Chalandon (Renault Group) outlining the capabilities and framework of the future smart cockpit.
• Ivan Dimkovic (Cinemo) showcasing AI-driven solutions to enrich the in-car multimedia experience.
• SAMUEL WIJK (Lynk & Co Design) revealing how ambient lighting can create emotional resonance.
• Moses Gunarman (Toyota Motor Corporation) urging a shift from output to outcome in design thinking.
• Felice Fortino exploring new payment models to unlock software-service revenue.
• Thought-provoking talks from Marcus Janke (Infineon Technologies) and Peter Yang (VicOne) on data-security challenges for smart cars.

I also had the honor of moderating a panel discussion—“User-Centric Trends in HMI Design”—joined by Marion Elisabeth Heiß, Ivan Dimkovic, Thomas Dannemann, SAMUEL WIJK and Xavier Chalandon.

As AI is a key strategic focus for us at Diconium (part of the VW Group), it was especially rewarding to exchange ideas on how intelligent, user-centric HMI can merge design excellence, personalization, and cutting-edge AI to create meaningful in-car experiences for global users.

A big thank-you to ECV International, Gia Xu, and our fantastic chair Fabian Chowanetz & Felice Fortino, as well as all the brilliant experts and participants who made the event so energizing. 🙏

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