Panasonic Automotive Systems announced that its cockpit domain controller (CDC) has been adopted in Mazda Motor Corporation’s all-new MAZDA CX-5.
The all-new CX-5 made its European debut in December 2025 and launched in Japan in May 2026. It is scheduled for worldwide rollout, including North America and Europe. Developed under the concept of “New Generation Emotional Daily Comfort,” the vehicle includes evolved design and driving performance, along with enhanced cabin spaciousness, comfort, and quietness. Mazda’s new MAZDA E/E ARCHITECTURE+ electronic platform enabled a complete redesign of the human-machine interface (HMI), strengthened and expanded communication functions and applications, and evolved advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
The CDC serves as the core cockpit system supporting these evolved HMI functions. It provides an advanced cockpit platform for software-defined vehicles (SDVs) with centralized control of infotainment (IVI), head-up display (HUD), and instrument cluster, delivering seamless and intuitive user experiences. The architecture supports continuous enhancements through over-the-air (OTA) updates across the vehicle lifecycle.
Panasonic Automotive Systems integrated VirtIO, an open-standard virtualization technology, to support scalable software development and maximize long-term platform value.
Key Features
- Updatable SDV Platform: Modular architecture enables ongoing feature upgrades and performance improvements. OTA orchestrator functionality allows updates across the cockpit ecosystem, including HUD and instrument cluster.
- Integrated, Multi-Display Cockpit Experience: Centralized control of three synchronized displays creates a consistent interface. The system coordinates visuals, lighting, and audio for clear, real-time feedback. Based on driver profiles, it automatically restores preferences including driving position (seat and HUD adjustments) and climate control settings.
- Connected, Intuitive User Experience: Integrated voice control is included. Panasonic Automotive Systems is the first Japanese manufacturer to integrate the Unity® 3D engine into in-vehicle systems, enabling real-time visualization of vehicle data such as door status, turn signals, and surrounding environment information through high-definition graphics. The HUD projects bright, low-distortion information directly in the driver’s line of sight.
The CDC integrates and centrally processes multiple electronic control units (ECUs) across the cockpit, including the instrument cluster, while delivering vehicle information and entertainment features.
