In a time of increased data exchange, digitized vehicle components, and an unmanageable number of software-based applications in the mobility world, there is also a growing incentive for cyberattacks. While industry players try to protect their products with access barriers, legislators are responding to the dangers of data crime with new regulations. In addition, companies in the field of modern vehicle technologies are developing solutions to secure data exchange, for example, when it comes to software updates.
The globally active Spanish company Cojali specializes in components and electronic parts as well as diagnostic solutions for commercial vehicles. With the Cojali Digital Hub, a central interface for secure data exchange is now offered to stakeholders in the commercial vehicle industry such as manufacturers, suppliers, fleet operators, and workshops, accompanying the vehicle's lifecycle from beginning to end by providing and capturing all data. Cojali's partner and brake system manufacturer Knorr-Bremse contributed its expertise related to trailers.
Response to Legislation
A few years ago, the authorities opposed the threat of cyberattacks in the mobility world with regulations designed to prevent data theft or manipulation. The EU regulations UNECE-R 155 and 156, which came into force at the beginning of 2021 and have been applicable to all newly produced vehicles since July 1, 2024, serve as a legal basis for secure digital applications such as software updates, specifically targeting vehicle manufacturers and software providers.
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) wants to provide a secure basis for software applications and data management of motor vehicles with these regulations. According to these regulations, vehicle manufacturers and providers of digital mobility applications must equip their products with
a Cybersecurity Management System (CSMS) or a Software Update Management System (SUMS), allowing the system to flawlessly identify and assign the products.
According to the Bavarian specialist for safety-relevant software Newtec, not only vehicle manufacturers in the EU must comply with the regulations, but also those in Japan and South Korea. Automotive suppliers are also at least indirectly involved in the legislation. Newtec states:
"Since OEMs are liable for compliance with the rules throughout the entire supply chain and must prove that they also control supplier risks, they have a vital interest in ensuring that these suppliers also meet the requirements of the regulations and, if necessary, implement their own CSMS and SUMS."
Safe and Efficient Management
According to the information provided, the new "Cojali Digital Hub" is an optimized data platform that provides a software update and management system (SUMS) precisely aligned with the UNECE-R 156 regulation. In the description, Cojali promises:
"This solution has evolved into a key instrument – to meet the technological and regulatory challenges of the industry and for comprehensive, safe, and efficient management throughout the entire lifecycle of commercial vehicles."
As cybersecurity becomes increasingly demanding and the traceability of control units must be ensured during updates, the company wants to address manufacturers directly with its innovation. The solution is said to be "agnostic, modular, and adaptable," capable of integrating several component suppliers in the industry through "automated and secure processes." Thus, it should allow for seamless and attack-proof data exchange for practically all applications as a common platform.
For example, vehicle manufacturers can configure their vehicles to comply with EU standards via the Digital Hub. In addition
to continuous real-time updates of information and component control, all changes, whether regulatory, software-based, or made through vehicle modifications, can be recorded and documented via this central hub. Moreover, the cross-country networking of providers instantly communicates where which update is available.
Centralized Management
For the inventor of the new digital interface, customers who use this platform also enjoy special business-promoting advantages:
"The 'Cojali Digital Hub' not only facilitates compliance with regulatory requirements but also opens up an ecosystem of high-value-added services – creating new business potentials."
Cojali predicts significant competitive advantages that could arise from using the "Hub" due to the centralized processes required and enabled by the application. For example, software update packages can be managed centrally, from the production process to the aftersales area. In a "fully cyber-protected, proprietary environment," remote software updates are securely integrated into diagnostic and connectivity solutions through operational technology support. This not only enhances the manufacturer's operational efficiency but also benefits customer loyalty.
Cojali also collaborates with other companies in the commercial vehicle sector. Since 2022, there has been a partnership with Knorr-Bremse, a Munich-based specialist in braking systems for rail and commercial vehicles, in the field of vehicle diagnostics. The German corporation has also supported the distribution of Cojali's diagnostic solutions with its technical support since 2024.
Future-Oriented
For the Cojali's solution, the German brake system expert was also involved by developing the SUMS platform concerning trailer-mounted systems (iTrailer). The announcement states:
"Leveraging its expertise and leading role in braking systems and safety technologies, Knorr-Bremse provides crucial added value to Cojali's digital ecosystem, ensuring that vehicle manufacturers can safely and reliably meet the challenges of
digital transformation."
Thus, the new solution adapts to current developments in the digital field, which demands an increasingly high level of connectivity. According to Cojali, the collaboration between the two companies promotes the integration of products that not only comply with cybersecurity regulations but are also designed for use in a networked, intelligent, and future-oriented environment with future developments in mind.
High Integration Capability
According to reports, the Cojali Digital Hub can communicate with SUMS platforms developed by Tier-1 system manufacturers. This serves as a prerequisite for smooth integration with vehicle manufacturers. In this way, Cojali aims to contribute to building a reliable, secure, and cooperative ecosystem to meet the new demands of the commercial vehicle industry. The solution serves as a seamless communication platform for manufacturers, workshops, and vehicle fleets to securely exchange data with virtually countless features. Vehicles can be connected to a global service network to retrieve new software, integrate repair information, and manufacturers are automatically informed about vehicle modifications.
A video about the Digital Hub can be viewed on the Cojali website.
Cojali is one of the globally represented companies specializing in electronic applications and diagnostic solutions for commercial vehicles and boats. The company, headquartered in central Spain, operates four subsidiaries in France, Italy, the USA, and India, as well as three sales offices in Germany, Turkey, and Mexico. Cojali's business areas are divided into three parts: Cojali Parts with commercial vehicle components such as brake, suspension, or transmission systems and electronic components; Jaltest Solutions offers electronic solutions for the digitization of workshops and fleets, among others, and Cojali OEM Solutions develops hardware and software applications for equipment manufacturers.
