Automotive Grade Linux Introduces New Unified Code Base Distribution

SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwired - Jan 4, 2016) - Automotive Grade Linux (AGL), a collaborative open source project developing a common, Linux-based software stack for the connected car, today announced a new AGL Unified Code Base (UCB) distribution built specifically for the Automotive industry. This new Linux distribution was built from the ground up to address automotive specific applications and leverages the best software components from AGL and other existing open source projects such as Tizen and GENIVI Alliance.

By customizing the distribution to meet specific automotive requirements, this new AGL UCB distribution is in a unique position to become the de facto standard for the industry, allowing developers and carmakers to leverage a software stack based on Linux for creating in-vehicle software. Automakers and suppliers are able to collaborate directly with AGL's global community of developers to advance the software for connected car applications.

"The automotive industry needs a standard open operating system and framework to enable automakers and suppliers to quickly bring smart phone-like capabilities to the car," said Dan Cauchy, General Manager of Automotive at Linux Foundation. "This new distribution integrates the best components from AGL, Tizen, GENIVI and related open source code into a single AGL Unified Code Base, allowing carmakers to leverage a common platform for rapid innovation. The AGL UCB distribution will play a huge role in the adoption of Linux-based systems for all functions in the vehicle."

Already several members of AGL, including Toyota, Aisin AW, DENSO, Fujitsu Ten, HARMAN, Panasonic, Pioneer and Renesas Electronics are planning to use the AGL Unified Code Base distribution to deliver a modern in-vehicle infotainment and connected car experience for consumers. Jaguar Land Rover, a Linux Foundation board member, also delivers a Linux-based infotainment system in their vehicles.

"The announcement of this new AGL Unified Code Base distribution is the significant first step in creating an open ecosystem based around a common platform that will accelerate rapid innovation of infotainment features," said Ken-ichi Murata, General Manager of BR Connected Strategy & Planning department of Toyota Motor Corporation. "Toyota plans to support contiguous enhancement of the distribution for future infotainment systems to deliver cutting edge connected car experiences to our customers."

Although initially focused on In-Vehicle-Infotainment (IVI), the new distribution has been architected to allow different profiles to be created from the same code base to address all applications in the car, such as instrument cluster, heads up display, telematics and connected car. Ideal for deploying "smart car" navigation, communications, safety, security, and infotainment functionality, the AGL UCB distribution is supported by a broad community of participants from the automotive, communications, and semiconductor Industries as well as individual developers.