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AAI x ECARX: Powering Premium Vehicles with Intelligent Speed Assist for Europe

July 22, 2025 by
AAI x ECARX: Powering Premium Vehicles with Intelligent Speed Assist for Europe
Isabel Metz

We are thrilled to announce our latest collaboration with ECARX, a global leader in mobility technology! Automotive Artificial Intelligence (AAI) GmbH has been selected to implement the Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) system tailored specifically for premium vehicles destined for the European market.

This project represents a pivotal step in advancing automotive safety and regulatory compliance and strengthens our joint commitment to delivering cutting-edge, intelligent mobility solutions.

Why ISA Matters: Functionality at the Core of Road Safety

Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) is a vehicle safety system designed to help drivers adhere to speed limits by providing real-time notifications and, in some configurations, actively limiting speed. ISA does not take over control but rather augments the driver's awareness, making driving safer without compromising autonomy.

ISA systems typically integrate:

  • Camera-based traffic sign recognition (TSR)
  • GPS and digital map data
  • Human-machine interface (HMI) feedback mechanisms (e.g., audible alerts, haptic pedal resistance)
  • Optional automatic speed control assistance

Depending on OEM preferences and vehicle class, ISA may function as an advisory system (warning only) or an intervening system (active speed control).

The Legal Imperative: ISA Compliance in the EU

As of July 2024, all newly registered cars, vans, trucks, and buses in the European Union must be equipped with ISA functionality, following the EU General Safety Regulation (EU) 2019/2144. This regulation mandates:

  • ISA as standard equipment in all new vehicle types
  • Accurate detection and interpretation of road speed limits
  • Default driver reactivation if ISA is deactivated (i.e., must re-enable with each ignition cycle)

This regulatory framework is part of the EU’s broader Vision Zero strategy, aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities by 2050. ISA is expected to reduce speed-related accidents by 30% and overall road fatalities by 20%, according to the European Transport Safety Council.

For OEMs entering the European market, especially those expanding from Asia and North America, ISA is non-negotiable for type approval. Failure to integrate a compliant system not only halts market access but can also lead to significant reputational and financial risks.

AAI’s Role: Engineering Safety into Premium Experiences

At AAI, we bring our deep expertise in automotive software engineering, embedded systems, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to deliver ISA solutions that are:

  • Fully compliant with EU regulations and updated homologation standards
  • Adaptable for premium segment differentiation in terms of UI, driver feedback, and vehicle dynamics
  • Robust across diverse traffic and road conditions in Europe

In our collaboration with ECARX, we are developing an ISA module that seamlessly integrates with digital cockpit platforms, ensuring that safety is embedded not only in hardware but also in the driving experience.

Looking Ahead

This partnership with ECARX is more than a technical milestone—it is a shared vision of enhancing road safety while shaping the future of intelligent mobility. Together, we are enabling the next generation of vehicles to enter Europe with confidence, compliance, and competitive edge.

A big thank you to our dedicated team and our partners at ECARX for entrusting us with this crucial project. Stay tuned for more updates as we accelerate into this venture and continue to deliver innovation that drives the automotive industry forward.