Arrow Electronics Launches Initiative to Support Next-Generation Vehicle E/E Architecture

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Key Terms

e/e architecture technical

The e/e architecture is the layout and design of a vehicle’s electrical and electronic systems — like the wiring, sensors, computers and how they communicate — similar to a building’s wiring, plumbing and control panels working together. It matters to investors because it drives manufacturing cost, product features, software updates, reliability and cybersecurity risk; a modern, flexible architecture can enable new services, faster upgrades and different supplier economics that affect profitability and growth.

software-defined vehicles technical

Vehicles whose key features and performance are controlled and updated primarily through software rather than fixed hardware designs. Like a smartphone that gains new apps and capabilities over time, these cars can receive over-the-air updates that add features, improve efficiency, or fix issues, which matters to investors because it can extend product life, create ongoing revenue from software services, lower recall risk, and change how value is created and captured in the auto industry.

semiconductor technical

Semiconductors are materials and the tiny electronic components made from them that control the flow of electricity inside devices—think of them as the brains and traffic controllers of modern gadgets, cars, and industrial machines. They matter to investors because their production, supply and demand drive revenue, margins and capital spending across whole industries, so shortages or breakthroughs can quickly change company profits and stock prices.

interconnect technical

Interconnect is the physical or virtual linking of networks, systems, or service providers so they can exchange data, power, or services—like roads that let cars travel between towns. For investors it matters because how well and cheaply companies interconnect affects their ability to reach customers, generate recurring revenue, control costs, and meet regulatory or reliability standards; stronger interconnects can boost growth and reduce operational risk.

electromechanical components technical

Electromechanical components are physical parts that use electricity to create motion or use motion to influence electrical circuits — examples include motors, relays, solenoids and actuators. For investors, they matter because these parts affect a product’s performance, reliability and manufacturing cost; shortages, quality issues or design changes can change production speed, margins and a company’s ability to compete, much like a car’s engine or brakes determine how well it runs.

autosar technical

AUTOSAR is a global technical standard and software framework that defines how electronic control units and vehicle software should be built so components from different suppliers can work together like apps on a common smartphone platform. Investors care because adoption of this standard lowers development costs, speeds time to market, and affects which suppliers and carmakers can scale software-driven features, directly influencing profitability, competitive position, and prospects for partnerships or contracts.

functional safety standards technical

Functional safety standards are rules and tests that require systems to behave safely even when components fail, covering design, testing and maintenance for products like cars, industrial equipment and medical devices. Think of them as a checklist and crash-test routine that help ensure a failing part won’t cause a dangerous outcome. For investors, compliance affects regulatory risk, recall exposure, development cost and time to market, so it can meaningfully influence a company’s liability, competitiveness and valuation.

automotive cybersecurity technical

Automotive cybersecurity is the practice of protecting a vehicle’s electronic systems, software and data from unauthorized access or attacks, much like a home security system protects a house from break-ins. It matters to investors because successful or failed protection can affect a maker’s costs, recall risk, legal exposure, brand trust and resale value — all of which influence future revenue and the company’s stock outlook.

02/09/2026 - 02:43 PM

CENTENNIAL, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Arrow Electronics (NYSE:ARW) has launched a strategic initiative and research hub to support next-generation vehicle electrical and electronic (E/E) architecture.

E/E architecture represents a complete overhaul of the "nervous system" within modern vehicles. Photo copyright 2026 Artlist Ltd.

The available resources provide automotive manufacturers and tier-1 suppliers with the engineering expertise and supply chain stability required to navigate the industry’s shift toward software-defined vehicles.

As consumer and commercial vehicles evolve into complex, intelligent platforms, the traditional method of adding a separate computer for every new electronic feature is no longer sustainable. E/E architecture represents a complete overhaul of the "nervous system" within modern vehicles.

This fundamental shift moves away from hundreds of individual components toward a more centralized system where powerful computing hubs manage multiple functions. This transition can streamline and harmonize systems and operation while reducing the internal wiring of a car by up to 20 percent, leading to vehicles that are lighter, more energy-efficient and easier to update via software throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle.

Aggregating Hardware, Software and Supply Chain Expertise

Arrow is a central solution aggregator for E/E architecture, bridging the gap between individual components and complete, integrated systems. Arrow’s portfolio of design engineering services includes a dedicated team of automotive experts who provide cross-technology support in both semiconductor and IP&E (interconnect, passive and electromechanical components) sectors.

This technical depth is matched by vast global inventory and robust supply chain services that help ensure confidence through multisourced, traceable component strategies and proactive obsolescence planning so that automakers have the right components in hand when they need them.

In addition to hardware, Arrow has significantly expanded its transportation software footprint in recent years to include expertise in AUTOSAR, functional safety standards and automotive cybersecurity.

Strengthening the Automotive Ecosystem

“E/E architecture is the cornerstone of the modern automotive revolution, enabling the transition from hardware-centric machines to intelligent, software-defined mobility,” said Murdoch Fitzgerald, chief growth officer of global services for Arrow’s global components business. “By combining our global engineering reach with a broad range of components and specialized software expertise, we are well positioned to help our customers navigate this complexity, reducing their time-to-market and helping ensure their platforms are built to adapt as the industry evolves.”

Arrow’s E/E architecture initiative builds on the company’s 2024 acquisitions of specialist software firms iQMine and Avelabs, leading engineering services providers for the automotive and transportation industry. These additions have bolstered Arrow’s software development centers and its Automotive Center of Excellence.

To support engineers and procurement leaders through E/E architecture redesign, Arrow has launched a new dedicated research hub. This online resource provides comprehensive technical insights, whitepapers and design tools specifically for E/E architecture development.

Detailed resources, whitepaper and technical insights can be accessed at the Arrow E/E Architecture research hub here.

About Arrow Electronics

Arrow Electronics (NYSE:ARW) sources and engineers technology solutions for thousands of leading manufacturers and service providers. With 2025 sales of $31 billion, Arrow’s portfolio enables technology across major industries and markets. Learn more at arrow.com.