Perficient Recognized as Major Player in IDC MarketScape for Software-Defined Vehicle IT and Engineering Services
Perficient, a global AI consultancy helping the world’s most innovative companies accelerate transformation with AI-first solutions, announced it has been named a Major Player in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide IT and Engineering Services for Software-Defined Vehicles 2025 Vendor Assessment (Doc #US51813124, September 2025). This recognition underscores Perficient’s growing influence in the rapidly evolving software-defined vehicle (SDV) ecosystem and validates its position as a trusted partner for global automakers navigating a new era of mobility.
A Market in Transformation: The Rise of Software-Defined Vehicles
The automotive industry is experiencing one of the most disruptive transformations in its history. Traditional cars, once defined by mechanical engineering excellence, are now being reimagined as software-driven platforms on wheels. Software-defined vehicles introduce dynamic over-the-air updates, data-rich services, advanced driver assistance systems, electrification, and autonomous driving capabilities.
For automakers, this transition goes far beyond technology—it reshapes business models, customer engagement, and regulatory compliance. Automakers are moving from one-time vehicle sales to subscription-based revenue streams, personalized in-car experiences, and cloud-connected services that continuously evolve over the lifespan of the vehicle.
As a result, OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and suppliers require partners with deep IT, engineering, and industry expertise to guide them through this transformation. It is within this context that IDC MarketScape conducted its assessment, benchmarking the capabilities and strategies of global SDV service providers.
IDC MarketScape’s Evaluation of Perficient
The IDC MarketScape report evaluates professional service providers supporting software-defined vehicle programs. Its framework compares vendors’ strategic vision, technological depth, delivery capabilities, and market traction, offering decision-makers a clear lens through which to choose partners.
Perficient was highlighted for excelling in several key areas:
- Off-Board SDV Capabilities: The consultancy has developed advanced data analysis platforms that support multiple automotive use cases, including predictive maintenance, driver behavior insights, and connected ecosystem services.
- Strategic Tools and Frameworks: Perficient’s proprietary Envision framework helps OEMs navigate modernization, align IT strategies with mobility trends, and accelerate innovation at scale.
- Partnership Ecosystem: Perficient has cultivated strong relationships with top-tier technology providers and automotive leaders, enabling it to integrate best-in-class solutions across the value chain.
- Customer Perception: Clients value Perficient’s clear messaging and targeted marketing campaigns around automotive offerings, which reflect deep industry knowledge and alignment with customer priorities.
IDC research manager Abhishek Mukherjee noted:
Perficient’s expertise lies in transforming organizations from legacy systems to modern, agile technology stacks. Its capabilities enable connected vehicle platforms, scalable subscription models, and sustainable long-term growth for automakers adapting to a software-first era.”
Perficient’s Perspective on the Recognition
Justin Huckins, Perficient’s director of digital strategy and automotive industry lead, expressed pride in the acknowledgment:
It’s an honor to be recognized as a Major Player in the IDC MarketScape report for worldwide IT and engineering services for software-defined vehicles. Our recognition reflects years of partnership and collaboration with automakers and suppliers. Whether we’re powering subscription-based monetization, unlocking predictive insights, or creating connected and personalized customer experiences, Perficient is helping drive what’s next in mobility.”
Huckins emphasized that this recognition not only validates Perficient’s expertise but also highlights its commitment to long-term partnerships, innovation, and an AI-first approach to solving industry challenges.
Serving the Automotive Ecosystem at Scale
Perficient is no stranger to the automotive industry. The firm currently works with seven of the top 10 global automotive OEMs, alongside a wide network of suppliers, dealerships, captive finance providers, and emerging mobility players. Its consulting services span strategy, design, engineering, and technology integration, making it a comprehensive partner across the automotive value chain.
Core Areas of Expertise
Perficient’s automotive practice is built around four pillars that align with the future of mobility:
- Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV): Enabling software architectures, cloud-native vehicle platforms, and over-the-air capabilities.
- Connectivity: Creating always-on digital experiences and real-time data flows between vehicles, infrastructure, and ecosystems.
- Electrification: Supporting OEMs in battery management, charging solutions, and compliance with global environmental regulations.
- Autonomy: Helping automakers implement AI-driven systems for safety, driver assistance, and full autonomy.
By integrating these pillars, Perficient ensures automakers can deliver vehicles that are intelligent, adaptive, and sustainable, while meeting consumer expectations for personalization and continuous improvement.
Frameworks Driving Transformation
Perficient’s success lies in its portfolio of IP-based frameworks that provide structure and scalability to complex SDV engagements. Among these:
- Automotive Strategic Positions: A blueprint guiding OEMs to deliver seamless customer experiences, comply with regulatory mandates, and build new revenue streams through subscriptions and services.
- Envision Framework: A strategic toolkit that helps clients reimagine legacy infrastructure, align digital investments, and build modern, AI-first technology stacks tailored to SDV demands.
- Connected Product Research: Perficient’s ongoing research into how connected vehicles and IoT-powered products are reshaping customer expectations, providing actionable insights for automakers to design future-ready services.
These frameworks reflect a proactive approach—not only addressing current challenges but also anticipating market and consumer shifts.
Driving Innovation with AI-First Solutions
A defining characteristic of Perficient’s approach is its AI-first philosophy. Artificial intelligence is deeply embedded into its solutions for predictive maintenance, fleet optimization, personalization engines, and next-generation mobility ecosystems. By fusing AI with cloud computing, data analytics, and IoT, Perficient helps OEMs unlock faster time-to-market and operational efficiencies.
For instance, subscription monetization models—enabled by predictive AI—allow automakers to anticipate customer needs and adjust offerings dynamically, whether for advanced infotainment, safety features, or EV charging optimizations. This creates continuous revenue opportunities while delivering value to drivers.
Research and Thought Leadership
Perficient regularly publishes research that influences how the industry views connected products and mobility trends. Its most recent report on connected products highlighted how customer expectations are shifting in response to digital-first experiences. Automakers are expected to not only provide high-performing vehicles but also integrated digital ecosystems that reflect consumer lifestyles.
The research advises OEMs and suppliers to prepare for a future where technology-driven personalization is the norm. From AI-powered digital assistants inside vehicles to tailored subscription bundles, the emphasis is on customer-centric innovation.
Why This Recognition Matters
Being named a Major Player in IDC MarketScape has strategic implications for Perficient and its clients:
- Credibility: Recognition by IDC validates Perficient’s ability to compete with larger consultancies in a specialized and highly competitive market.
- Visibility: It positions Perficient as a go-to partner for OEMs worldwide seeking guidance on digital transformation and SDV programs.
- Growth Catalyst: The acknowledgment supports Perficient’s global expansion strategy, opening doors to new client partnerships and opportunities.
For automakers, the recognition offers assurance that partnering with Perficient means access to proven expertise, scalable frameworks, and innovation-driven outcomes.
The Road Ahead for Perficient in Automotive
Looking forward, Perficient plans to deepen its engagements across SDV innovation, connectivity, electrification, and autonomy. The consultancy aims to:
- Expand its portfolio of AI-driven tools tailored for automotive use cases.
- Strengthen collaboration with technology giants and emerging mobility startups.
- Continue publishing thought leadership to guide the industry through disruptive change.
- Support clients in meeting global regulatory and sustainability goals, particularly around EV adoption and carbon reduction.
By focusing on both immediate solutions and long-term transformation, Perficient positions itself not just as a vendor, but as a strategic partner shaping the future of mobility.
