What Can Western OEMs Learn from Chinese Carmakers? | with Suat Kusefoglu of Capgemini
In a live recording from AutoTech 2025 in Novi, Michigan, Suat Kasafalou Global Solutions Director from Capgemini shares insights on the evolution of software-defined vehicles and the journey to advanced vehicle technology. Drawing from his two decades of experience, he highlights the evolution in vehicle architectures, such as the shift from discrete ECUs to integrated solutions, emphasizing the importance of managing complexity. The conversation touches on the rapid innovation of Chinese OEMs and the need for differentiation in software offerings to enhance user experiences. Suat also discusses the potential for software-defined vehicles to reach lower price points and the challenges of forecasting future processing power needs.
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:48 Meet Suat Kusefoglu
2:32 Overview of Capgemini's Role in Automotive
3:55 Shifts in Software-Defined Vehicle Architecture
5:59 Changing Relationships Between OEMs and Tier 1s
8:30 Learning from Chinese OEMs
13:32 Advice for Starting SDV Projects
16:19 Differentiation Strategies for OEMs
19:18 Cost Considerations in Vehicle Development
22:41 Forecasting Future Processing Needs
23:37 Conclusion
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:48 Meet Suat Kusefoglu
2:32 Overview of Capgemini's Role in Automotive
3:55 Shifts in Software-Defined Vehicle Architecture
5:59 Changing Relationships Between OEMs and Tier 1s
8:30 Learning from Chinese OEMs
13:32 Advice for Starting SDV Projects
16:19 Differentiation Strategies for OEMs
19:18 Cost Considerations in Vehicle Development
22:41 Forecasting Future Processing Needs
23:37 Conclusion
Creators and Guests
Host
John Heinlein, Ph.D.
An experienced technology and marketing leader, John brings his background from startups and established companies to Sonatus. He worked for 14 years at Arm, most recently leading Automotive Partnerships for North America where he engaged OEMs, Tier-1s, and others to deploy Arm-based solutions into automotive applications, including autonomous vehicles. His team was integral to launching the SOAFEE industry initiative for software-defined vehicles of which Sonatus is a member. Earlier he served as VP and Chief of Staff to the CEO and led a group responsible for competitive strategy. For three years, he was VP of Corporate Marketing where he led centralized outbound marketing, spanning marketing campaigns, press, events, web, digital marketing, ecosystem programs, and working closely with investor relations. Prior to Arm, John had an 11-year tenure at microprocessor startup Transmeta where he held several senior roles spanning business development, marketing, and customer success, among others. John earned his B.S. in Computer Engineering from Carnegie-Mellon University and an M.S. and Ph.D., both in Electrical Engineering, from Stanford University.
