Accenture to acquire AOX to accelerate software-defined vehicle development

Accenture, a global leader in professional services, has announced an agreement to acquire AOX, a German company renowned for its embedded software expertise for automotive manufacturers and suppliers. This acquisition is poised to strengthen Accenture’s ability to help automotive clients navigate the complex transition to software-defined vehicles (SDVs), a critical shift reshaping the industry.

AOX specializes in designing intricate system architectures and developing scalable software architectures that underpin the capabilities of modern vehicles. As the automotive sector pivots from traditional engineering practices to automotive software engineering, AOX has established itself as a trusted partner for major German carmakers and suppliers. The company’s contributions are seen as pivotal in enhancing the speed, reliability, and functionality of SDV development, providing automotive players with a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market.

Expanding expertise in automotive software engineering

Christof Horn, head of Accenture’s Industry X automotive practice in Europe, highlighted the strategic fit between the two companies. He emphasized that software-defined vehicles are now the key differentiator in the automotive market, with AOX bringing exceptional expertise in high-performance computing and real-time operating systems. He described AOX as an integral addition to Accenture’s growing portfolio of automotive technology capabilities.

Accenture has been steadily building its prowess in automotive software engineering, and the addition of AOX’s team of over 50 highly skilled professionals further enhances its ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions. Horn noted that AOX’s comprehensive knowledge of scalable software architectures aligns seamlessly with Accenture’s vision of providing end-to-end support for automotive clients.

Christina Raab, who oversees Accenture’s market unit in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, underscored the importance of AOX’s role in forming scalable and cost-efficient solutions. She described the acquisition as a testament to Accenture’s commitment to forming strategic partnerships and offering comprehensive services—from chip-level architecture design to cloud-based software development.

AOX’s strategic position and future plans

Based in Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany, with offices in Karlsruhe, Rosenheim, and Wetzlar, AOX has established itself as a key player in automotive software engineering and the embedded software expertise ecosystem. Its expertise extends beyond automotive clients to embedded software applications in industries like medical technology. Rainer Oder, co-founder and CEO of AOX, stated that joining Accenture would open new opportunities for employees while enabling the company to address complex challenges at a global scale.

Oder expressed confidence in the partnership, highlighting Accenture’s scale and diverse service offerings as instrumental in driving innovation across the product lifecycle. He noted that the integration would help AOX clients accelerate their transformation initiatives while tackling sophisticated software challenges in product concept phases.

Acquisition details and implications

The financial terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed, and the deal remains subject to customary closing conditions. However, the acquisition signals Accenture’s intent to position itself as a leader in the software-defined vehicles market by combining AOX’s embedded software expertise with its own global reach and resources.

This move is particularly significant as automotive manufacturers face mounting pressure to deliver advanced, software-driven capabilities while maintaining cost-efficiency and scalability. By acquiring AOX, Accenture reinforces its strategic focus on providing comprehensive solutions across the software-defined vehicles value chain, enabling carmakers and suppliers to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive industry.