KPIT Technologies and ZF Group agreed to promote an independent company named QORIX to develop and distribute open and scalable middleware products and solutions for the mobility ecosystem. QORIX is currently a subsidiary of KPIT, fully focused on middleware solution development. ZF shall invest 50% towards equity in QORIX subject to regulatory approvals.

It will build on the expertise and relevant IPs of KPIT and ZF to develop open and scalable automotive middleware platforms and solutions for the mobility ecosystem. Hence, both partners will bring cash and assets/IP towards their contribution. This builds on sustained investment by KPIT and ZF in this area.

Active engagement has already started with select OEM clients and other Tier 1 suppliers and technology companies. This independent company will address the significant gap in the availability of a mature, modular, integrated middleware solution that allows mobility OEMs to manage the ever-increasing software complexity while retaining complete control of the architecture. The lack of such a solution can delay the start of vehicle production and drive-up technology spending.

A Gleiss Lutz team has advised ZF Friedrichshafen AG on the establishment of independent company Qorix together with KPIT Technologies to jointly develop and market a middleware software platform. Incorporation of the joint venture is still subject to the customary regulatory clearances and expected to be completed in the second half of 2023. Qorix will have its headquarters in Munich and will operate in Germany and India.