MOTORTREND ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF THE FOURTH ANNUAL SOFTWARE-DEFINED VEHICLE INNOVATOR AWARDS

Rhea-AI Summary

MotorTrend announced the winners of the fourth annual Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) Innovator Awards at CES 2026 in Las Vegas on January 7, 2026. The program, presented in partnership with QNX (BlackBerry: BB) and Vector, honored 20 recipients across Pioneer, Leader, and Expert categories for advances in automotive software and SDV technologies.

Winners include senior executives, engineers, and founders from major automakers and suppliers such as Tesla, GM, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota Connected, Qualcomm, LG, Rivian, Honda, and Xiaomi.

News Market Reaction – BB

-0.77%

1 alert

-0.77% News Effect

On the day this news was published, BB declined 0.77%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Award edition: Fourth annual Total winners: 20 individuals Automotive history span: 120+ years

3 metrics

Award edition Fourth annual Software-Defined Vehicle Innovator Awards program age

Total winners 20 individuals Pioneer, Leader, and Expert categories combined

Automotive history span 120+ years Described as the automotive story length

Market Reality Check

Price: $3.32 Vol: Volume 6,476,854 is below...

low vol

$3.32 Last Close

Volume Volume 6,476,854 is below the 20-day average of 9,731,986 (relative volume 0.67). low

Technical Price $3.92 is trading below the 200-day MA of $4.05, indicating a weaker longer-term trend pre-announcement.

Peers on Argus

Peers show mixed moves with some gains (e.g., AI +2.54%, EVTC +1.26%) and some d...

Peers show mixed moves with some gains (e.g., AI +2.54%, EVTC +1.26%) and some declines (e.g., NN -2.68%, APPN -1.28%), suggesting today’s backdrop is not a clear sector-wide trend.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Dec 22 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 22	CES investor briefing	Positive	+4.8%	Announcement of CES 2026 investor briefing and QNX-focused presentations and demos.
Dec 18	Earnings results	Positive	+1.6%	Q3 FY2026 revenue beat, positive cash flow, and profitability with segment detail.
Dec 17	Product update	Positive	-3.0%	Modernized BlackBerry AtHoc mobile experience for critical event management customers.
Dec 16	QNX milestone	Positive	+3.3%	QNX software reported embedded in over 275 million vehicles worldwide.
Dec 08	CES showcase	Positive	+2.1%	Planned CES 2026 demos of QNX automotive and embedded innovations at booth 4024.

Pattern Detected

Recent CES- and QNX-related announcements often aligned with positive price reactions, while a product-focused security update saw a negative move.

Recent Company History

Over the last month, BlackBerry has highlighted QNX growth and CES presence. On Dec 16, 2025, QNX reported powering 275 million vehicles, followed by a CES 2026 showcase announcement on Dec 8, 2025, both with positive price reactions. Q3 FY2026 earnings on Dec 18, 2025 featured a revenue beat and profitability. An AtHoc mobile modernization update on Dec 17, 2025 coincided with a negative move. The current MotorTrend SDV awards news reinforces QNX’s automotive positioning ahead of CES-related investor engagement on Jan 7, 2026.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights MotorTrend’s recognition of leaders in software-defined vehicles, with ...

Analysis

This announcement highlights MotorTrend’s recognition of leaders in software-defined vehicles, with QNX, a division of BlackBerry, named as a partner. It reinforces themes from recent updates, including QNX passing 275 million vehicles and its planned presence at CES 2026. While the awards focus on industry influence rather than financial metrics, investors may watch how this visibility complements Q3 FY2026 results and ongoing CES demonstrations of QNX platforms.

Key Terms

software-defined vehicle, software-defined vehicles, advanced driver assistance systems, digital cockpit, +1 more

5 terms

software-defined vehicle technical

"the fourth annual SDV (Software-Defined Vehicle) Innovator Awards"

A software-defined vehicle is a car whose capabilities, performance and user features are driven primarily by software running on its electronic systems rather than fixed mechanical parts, similar to how a smartphone gains new features through apps and updates. For investors this matters because revenue and value can shift from one-time hardware sales to ongoing software services, faster feature upgrades and broader aftermarket opportunities, while introducing dependencies on software development, cybersecurity and regulatory compliance.

software-defined vehicles technical

"Software-defined vehicles are rapidly shaping the next phase of automobile technology"

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.

advanced driver assistance systems technical

"within a specific SDV discipline (e.g., advanced driver assistance systems, digital cockpit"

Advanced driver assistance systems are electronic tools built into vehicles that act like a cooperative co‑pilot — they monitor road conditions and help with tasks such as keeping lanes, adjusting speed, parking, and automatically braking to avoid collisions. Investors care because these systems influence vehicle safety ratings, regulatory compliance, product appeal, and costs; they can change revenue mix and liability exposure for automakers, suppliers, and tech companies as adoption increases.

digital cockpit technical

"within a specific SDV discipline (e.g., advanced driver assistance systems, digital cockpit"

A digital cockpit is the suite of screens, controls and software inside a vehicle that presents driving information, entertainment, navigation and vehicle settings to the driver and passengers. Think of it as the car’s central command center or a smartphone built into the dashboard; it matters to investors because it can drive sales, recurring software and service revenue, differentiate products, and affect costs and partnerships across hardware, software and data services.

over-the-air updates technical

"within a specific SDV discipline (e.g., advanced driver assistance systems, digital cockpit, over-the-air updates"

Over-the-air updates are wireless software or firmware changes sent remotely to devices such as cars, phones or appliances without needing a physical connection. For investors, they matter because they let companies fix bugs, add features, improve security and extend product life quickly and cheaply—similar to receiving a software “package” in the mail rather than returning the whole product—and can influence customer satisfaction, recurring revenue and ongoing costs.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Unveiled at CES, the Awards Celebrate Visionaries Redefining the Automotive Industry Through SDV Innovation

Download Award Event Photos & Video

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- MotorTrend, one of the world's leading automotive media brands, today announced the winners of the fourth annual SDV (Software-Defined Vehicle) Innovator Awards, which were presented during a gala event at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, in partnership with QNX, a division of BlackBerry Limited (NYSE: BB; TSX: BB), whose technology is used by countless automakers around the world, and Vector, a leading solution provider for software-defined systems in automotive and beyond.

The SDV Innovator Awards is the first and only program celebrating the pioneers, leaders, and experts who are redefining automotive innovation and forming the next chapter of the 120+ year automotive story. Twenty winners were awarded in the Pioneer, Leader, and Expert categories, as selected by a panel of editors from MotorTrend.

"Software-defined vehicles are rapidly shaping the next phase of automobile technology, redefining in real time how cars are designed, built and driven," said Ed Loh, head of editorial for MotorTrend. "It is an honor to recognize the Pioneers, Leaders, and Experts who are at the cutting edge of this groundbreaking transformation and developing the innovations that bring the future of software-defined vehicles to life."

Pioneer Award Winners
These outstanding individuals have demonstrably broken new ground within the SDV space through research, development, and application of new automotive software.

• Rudolf Dittrich, Head of Europe R&D and Design Center, Xiaomi Technology
• Ashok Elluswamy, Vice President, AI Software, Tesla
• Ali Javidan, Founder and CEO, Range Energy
• Emerson Kim, Vice President and Division Leader, Display Development, LG Electronics
• Shaoqing Ren, Vice President, Intelligent Driving R&D Lead, NIO
• Mahito Shikama, Vice President, Head of Software Mobility Development Unit, Honda Motor Co, Ltd 
• Sebastian Thrun, Founder, CEO, Professor

Leader Award Winners
These outstanding individuals hold a senior management position and lead a team that is transforming the automotive industry through the broad adoption and application of software solutions.

• Clyde Bulloch, Vice President of Vehicle Software and Electronics Engineering, General Motors
• Laura Major, President and CEO, Motional
• Jae Park, Vice President, Digital Product Design, Ford Motor Company
• Binoy Paul, Product Development Head, Software Solutions and Technology, Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd
• Laxmi Rayapudi, VP & GM, Software, Auto & IE-IOT, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc
• Markus Schäfer, Co-Founder, Russell AI Labs

Expert Award Winners
These outstanding individuals are subject matter experts within a specific SDV discipline (e.g., advanced driver assistance systems, digital cockpit, over-the-air updates, etc.) whose work has advanced the field.

• Lawson Fulton, Staff Autopilot Machine Learning Engineer, Tesla
• Brian Harries, Director, Propulsion and Dynamics Control, Rivian
• Srishti Iyer, Director of Software Engineering, General Motors
• Marco Maniscalco, Head of Base Software Development, MB.OS, Mercedes-Benz AG
• Marcus Richter, Systems Development Engineer, Audi AG
• Ahmed Sadek, Vice President, Engineering, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc
• Ryan Wheeler, Vice President of Engineering, Machine Learning, Toyota Connected North America

About MotorTrend
MotorTrend has chronicled the auto industry's past, present, and future since 1949, catering to in-market shoppers and enthusiasts through authoritative, entertaining storytelling, world-class photography, and engaging video presentations. In addition to in-depth coverage of the latest in automotive technology, reporting on breaking news, and features on the biggest personalities, MotorTrend reviews hundreds of new cars every year, leveraging objective testing and the team's extensive expertise. Its renowned MotorTrend Car of the Year, SUV of the Year, and Truck of the Year awards are also internationally recognized as among the most prestigious in the industry. Follow MotorTrend on X, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

About BlackBerry
BlackBerry (NYSE: BB; TSX: BB) provides enterprises and governments the intelligent software and services that power the world around us. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, the company's high-performance foundational software enables major automakers and industrial giants alike to unlock transformative applications, drive new revenue streams and launch innovative business models, all without sacrificing safety, security, and reliability. With a deep heritage in Secure Communications, BlackBerry delivers operational resiliency with a comprehensive, highly secure, and extensively certified portfolio for mobile fortification, mission-critical communications, and critical events management.

About QNX
QNX, a division of BlackBerry Limited (NYSE: BB; TSX: BB), enhances the human experience and amplifies technology-driven industries, providing a trusted foundation for software-defined businesses to thrive. The business leads the way in delivering safe and secure operating systems, hypervisors, middleware, solutions, and development tools, along with support and services delivered by trusted embedded software experts. QNX® technology has been deployed in the world's most critical embedded systems, including more than 275 million vehicles on the road today. QNX® software is trusted across industries including automotive, medical devices, industrial controls, robotics, commercial vehicles, rail, and aerospace and defense. Founded in 1980, QNX is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada. Learn more at qnx.com.

©2025 BlackBerry Limited. Trademarks, including but not limited to BLACKBERRY and EMBLEM Design, QNX and the QNX logo design are the trademarks or registered trademarks of BlackBerry Limited, and the exclusive rights to such trademarks are expressly reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. BlackBerry is not responsible for any third-party products or services.

About Vector
Vector is a leading solution provider and a trusted partner in the development and networking of software-defined systems. For over 35 years, Vector has empowered OEMs and suppliers worldwide to create complex electronic products that meet the highest standards of functionality, safety, cybersecurity and efficiency—primarily in the automotive industry, and increasingly in MedTec, IoT, rail, and aerospace. At the core of Vector's portfolio is a comprehensive software ecosystem that seamlessly integrates tools, embedded software, cloud services, and engineering expertise into a high-performance development environment. Driven by technological excellence and close collaboration with customers and partners, Vector delivers tailored solutions that help manage complexity, accelerate product development, and enable forward-looking innovation. An independent company, Vector employs more than 4,500 people across 32 locations worldwide and generated more than € 1 billion in revenue in 2024. Headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, Vector maintains a global presence with offices in Austria, Brazil, China, France, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Romania, Sweden, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Media Contacts:
Chloe Lauter, CIVIC on behalf of MotorTrend, chloe.lauter@civic-us.com
QNX:
+1 (519) 597-7273
mediarelations@BlackBerry.com
Vector: Press Contact: Cordula Gielen, Cordula.Gielen@vector.com

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SOURCE MotorTrend Group

FAQ

What are the MotorTrend SDV Innovator Awards announced on January 7, 2026?

An awards program honoring 20 individuals across Pioneer, Leader, and Expert categories for contributions to software-defined vehicle technology presented at CES 2026.

Which companies partnered with MotorTrend for the SDV Innovator Awards (NYSE: BB mentioned)?

The awards were presented in partnership with QNX (part of BlackBerry, ticker BB) and Vector.

When and where were the 2026 SDV Innovator Awards presented?

The awards were presented during a gala event at CES 2026 in Las Vegas on January 7, 2026.

Who are some Pioneer Award winners named in the January 7, 2026 announcement?

Pioneer winners include Rudolf Dittrich (Xiaomi), Ashok Elluswamy (Tesla), Ali Javidan (Range Energy), and Sebastian Thrun.

Which senior executives were named Leader Award winners in the SDV Innovator Awards?

Leader winners include Clyde Bulloch (General Motors), Laura Major (Motional), Jae Park (Ford), and Laxmi Rayapudi (Qualcomm).

Which companies had Expert Award winners at the SDV Innovator Awards announced January 7, 2026?

Expert winners come from Tesla, Rivian, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Qualcomm, and Toyota Connected.