It’s been revealed that Automotive Grade Linux (AGL), a cross-industry effort developing an open source platform for all connected car technologies, lies behind the Subaru Starlink infotainment platform on the all-new 2020 Subaru Outback and 2020 Legacy. The models use open source software from the AGL Unified Code Base (UCB) platform.
“Using AGL’s open source software enables us to easily customize the user experience and integrate new features, creating an integrated cockpit entertainment system that is more enjoyable for drivers,” said Naoyoshi Morita, general manager of Subaru’s Electronic Product Design Dept.
“We believe that shared software development through Automotive Grade Linux benefits the entire industry and we look forward to our continued involvement and collaboration with other auto makers and suppliers.”
AGL is supported by more than 150 members, including 11 auto makers, who are working together to develop the UCB platform, a shared software platform that can serve as the de facto industry standard for infotainment, telematics and instrument cluster applications. Sharing an open platform allows for code reuse and a more efficient development process as developers and suppliers can build once and have a product work for multiple auto makers.
“Subaru has been an AGL member for many years and we are very excited to see them use AGL in production,” said Dan Cauchy, executive director of Automotive Grade Linux. “The AGL platform continues to gain traction, and we expect to see more auto makers using it in production in the years to come.”
Automotive Grade Linux is a collaborative open source project that brings together auto makers, suppliers and technology companies to accelerate the development and adoption of a fully open software stack for the connected car. Although initially focused on in-vehicle-infotainment (IVI), AGL is said to be the only organization planning to address all software in the vehicle, including instrument cluster, head-up display, telematics, ADAS and autonomous driving. The AGL platform is available to all, and anyone can participate in its development.
