QNX and Haleytek Join Forces to Deliver Software-Defined Audio for Volvo Cars' EX60 EV SUV

Executive Summary

• QNX (BlackBerry) and Haleytek announced an expanded collaboration to deliver a fully centralized Software‑Defined Audio (SDA) architecture for Volvo Cars’ upcoming EX60 electric SUV.
• The EX60 will be the world’s first vehicle to implement a fully centralized SDA architecture using QNX Sound on Volvo’s new SPA3 infotainment platform.
• Industry analysis suggests the shift from legacy DSP‑based hardware to centralized SDA could save automakers $22–$98 per vehicle, depending on complexity and trim level.

Key Details

• Collaboration Scope: QNX and Haleytek will provide a centralized audio processing solution (QNX Sound) that runs on a powerful system‑on‑chip (SoC), replacing traditional DSP‑enabled amplifiers.
• Vehicle Impact: Volvo Cars’ EX60 SUV will debut with the SPA3 infotainment platform, offering branded sound system options from multiple audio providers under a unified SDA architecture.
• Technical Benefits: Centralized processing enables greater flexibility, faster feature deployment, reduced hardware requirements, and continuous software‑driven innovation across vehicle models.
• Open Standards Used: QNX Sound leverages the OASIS VirtIO Sound open standard to facilitate integration and future scalability.
• Cost Savings Estimate: Munro & Associates estimates potential savings of $22–$98 per vehicle when migrating from legacy hardware to SDA, varying by system complexity and trim level.
• Strategic Alignment: The partnership supports Volvo Cars’ “Superset” tech‑stack strategy aimed at unifying hardware and software into a scalable, future‑ready platform.

Notable Quotes

• “Our Superset tech stack strategy is about building a foundation that is optimized for continuous improvement,” – Martin Kristensson, Head of Software Defined Vehicle, Volvo Cars.
• “This implementation demonstrates how QNX Sound enables automakers to migrate more vehicle functions to software,” – Grant Courville, SVP, Products and Strategy, QNX.

Materiality Assessment: Non‑Material – Positive (the announcement is a strategic product collaboration with no immediate financial impact).