Marelli Showcases Software-Defined Vehicle Solutions at Auto Shanghai 2025 with New ProZone Unit

Marelli, a global technology partner in the automotive sector, is set to present its latest developments in Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) technologies at Auto Shanghai 2025. Among the key highlights is the launch of ProZone, a new mid-range zone control unit designed to manage multiple vehicle domains within a single platform.

The company’s presence at the event, which runs from April 23 to May 2 at the Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC), will feature a dedicated section of its “Fast Forward. Forward Fast.” booth in Hall 1.2H, Stand 1BF009, focused on SDV advancements.

ProZone is part of Marelli’s next-generation Zone Control Unit portfolio, positioned as a central piece in the transition from traditional distributed vehicle systems to zonal architectures. This shift aims to reduce the number of Electronic Control Units (ECUs) per vehicle from nearly 100 to fewer than 20. By consolidating up to three domains—such as thermal management, chassis control, and propulsion—ProZone contributes to lower system complexity, cost, and weight.

Marelli’s SDV strategy leverages its domain expertise and a flexible design approach that separates software, hardware, and functional components. This enables integration with third-party systems and supports a range of OEM deployment strategies. The company has indicated plans to become the leading global supplier of zone control units by 2026.

“Our approach is built around supporting automakers at every stage of their SDV transition,” said David Slump, President and CEO of Marelli. “Through adaptable partnerships, we aim to address each customer’s unique needs and pace.”

Visitors to Marelli’s booth will also experience the ‘Velocity Zone’, an area showcasing tools that support SDV development. Featured technologies include an interactive SDV configurator that allows users to design vehicle architectures using preconfigured features, and MyAvatar, an AI-driven, customizable vehicle assistant.

ProZone complements other products in Marelli’s Zones portfolio, including LeanZone and EliteZone, offering a scalable platform to suit varying market and technical requirements. The platform integrates domains such as body systems, lighting, diagnostics, power distribution, and ride dynamics into a centralized system that supports ongoing software upgrades.