Porsche maps own software course after Macan's long-delayed debut

STUTTGART -- Getting the full-electric Porsche Macan launched has been a difficult experience for CEO Oliver Blume and development boss Michael Steiner.

After a delay of more than two years, the battery-powered Macan premiered in January, with the first units scheduled to be delivered this year.

The premium platform electric (PPE) architecture that underpins the midsize SUV introduces parent Volkswagen Group's 1.2 software platform, but the group's Cariad software unit struggled to develop the technology, resulting in the delay, which also impacted the debut of the new Audi Q6 E-tron. Cariad's software was not ready in time.

According to McKinsey estimates, the delays likely cost the company up to €3 billion euros.

Porsche, therefore, opted to use Google's Android Automotive as the basis for the 1.2 software platform, which is now used in the Macan.

Currently, developers are working to increase stability and prevent a repeat of the troubles VW had with the introduction of the VW ID3.

When VW began ID3 deliveries in September 2020 the full-electric compact hatchback came without key functions such as App Connect, which meant owners could not use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

"This has to work now," Porsche CFO Lutz Meschke said at Porsche's annual press conference in Leipzig a few weeks ago, referring to the steps taken to ensure the Macan's software performed well.

In the meantime, Blume, who is also VW Group CEO, has relaunched Cariad and appointed former Bentley production boss Peter Bosch as the new CEO of the software unit.

But before that, Blume traveled to Silicon Valley with a small delegation to look for partners with whom Porsche could implement alternatives to VW Group's modular system for software.

One example is Applied Intuition, a software specialist based in San Jose, California, that Porsche announced in March it would form a strategic partnership. A key aim of the deal is to reduce Porsche's dependency on "black-box suppliers."

"This reduces complexity and increases implementation speed," Porsche added in a release.

“Testing may then be done software-based and earlier in the development process. With that, we can iterate faster and focus on building the best possible consumer experiences," Porsche's Steiner said in the release. ““This additional cooperation will strengthen Porsche's software know-how, complementing and supporting activities within the Volkswagen Group.”

The latest deal is one of many the Porsche has made to boost its software expertise. This includes an expansion of Porsche's cooperation with Google.

Starting in 2025, Google Maps, Google Assistant and a variety of apps available through the Google Play Store are expected to find their way into the automaker's vehicles. Nevertheless, customers will still see the Porsche's familiar user interface.

Blume refers to this as a "blended ecosystem" that is intended to enable a seamless digital experience – just as customers are used to from their smartphones and other devices.

Adapting to regional markets such as China and the U.S. is becoming increasingly important. For this reason, the interfaces in the vehicle are kept open to enable country-specific solutions. All electronic control units should be able to communicate with each other at all times.

The current 1.2 platform is most likely going to be installed in upcoming models that include the full-electric Boxster and Cayman (2025) as well as the battery-powered Cayenne (2026).