Ultifi meant to be integrated alongside Android Automotive, the operating system embedded in some GM infotainment systems.

Ultifi, which is rolling out to some GM brands later this year, brings all of the vehicle’s modules to a single platform, making it easier and faster to issue over-the-air software updates and give owners access to subscription services and other in-car tech. Ultifi is an end-to-end software platform built on top of GM’s existing vehicle intelligence platform - the underlying hardware architecture that provides greater data processing power. “Mike’s experience as a founder and entrepreneur coupled with his proven track record creating and delivering some of the market’s most compelling software-defined solutions for consumers and companies make him an excellent fit at GM.” “We have entered the next phase of our technology driven transformation focused on rapidly scaling new EV models and our Ultifi software platform, which will drive faster innovation and enable new and exciting customer experiences,” Barra said in a statement.

He will oversee three software departments: software-defined vehicle and operating system that is led by Scott Miller, information and digital technology headed up by Stacy Lynett and Edward Kummer’s digital business team. Automakers’ shift to EVs has only accelerated those efforts as software plays a key role in behind-the-scenes battery management to front-facing features like showing the driver where EV chargers are located.Ībbott will lead the team responsible for that entire software ecosystem. Software has become increasingly important in the automotive industry as companies try to attract buyers with so-called “software-defined vehicles” that offer voice, navigation and even third-party apps.

The official title of this newly created position is executive vice president of software.Ībbott will play a central role in GM’s plan to bring software development in house and launch revenue-generating digital services and features for its consumer and commercial customers. General Motors has hired Apple executive Mike Abbott to head up its software division as the automaker ramps up its efforts to sell “software-defined vehicles” that offer a wide array of capabilities from in-car subscriptions and apps to over-the-air updates and digital services.Ībbott, the former vice president of engineering for Apple’s cloud services division, will report to GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra.

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