Exploring variation mechanisms in the automotive industry - A case study

Today car manufacturers are expected to deliver cars configured for each customer. Through software, and by adapting software product line methods, car manufactures respond to the increased customization needs. This emphasizes the need for careful variant handling. Thus, based on a problem definition from Volvo Cars this case study explores variation techniques to support massive numbers of built-to-order cars using AUTOSAR. In essence, this study argues that run-time variability, tested with a prototype development, is a way to meet this need. It establishes the publishersubscriber pattern as a viable run-time variation mechanism, and identifies limitations and areas to consider related to subscription management, real-time performance and data transparency within an automotive environment. Finally, this study also demonstrates how run-time variability enables manufacturers to better support after-market services and enable 3rd party integration