HIS (automotive group)
HIS (Herstellerinitiative Software, German for 'OEM software initiative') is an interest group consisting of the car manufacturers Audi, BMW, Daimler AG, Porsche and Volkswagen.
Innovation in modern vehicles is to a great extent realized by software in electronic control units. Therefore, vehicle manufacturers must extend their competence in the basics and methods of software design and quality assurance for microprocessor based control units. This has motivated the companies mentioned before to bundle their activities as long as they are not relevant for competition.
HIS only works on topics which can be handled within a timeframe of up to 2 years. The common goal is to achieve and use joint standards, either by supporting standardization bodies, or where they do not exist, by developing standards. Work is performed in working groups which are established when needed. Significant work has been performed e.g. in the areas of standard software modules, process maturity levels, software test, software tools and programming of control units.
HIS results are available under www.automotive-his.de