Chapter 4 - Shift-Left Adoption

Shift-Left Strategy

Shift-left strategy refers to processes and tooling to automate testing and security scanning earlier — ideally, as soon as the code is written — within the software development lifecycle (SDLC). Although there is still progress to be made in the automotive software industry, the majority of respondents have already implemented or are at least in the process of implementing shift-left (59% total). However, this decreased by 10% since last year.

This year, more teams seem to be at least aware of the need for shift-left, fortunately. Considering the increase in testing concerns this year about being able to test more efficiently, as well as the productivity concerns surrounding dev acceleration and innovation, more teams should prioritize implementing a shift-left strategy in 2026.

Region

Many respondents in North America have already implemented a shift-left strategy, while those in Europe/UK, the Middle East, and Asia are in the process of implementing it. 

Country – Asia

Taking a closer look at Asia by country, more respondents in India have already implemented shift-left, while many of those in China and Korea are in the process of implementing this approach. Japan had more respondents who are not currently implementing shift left — though 38% know that it is important. 

Organization Size

Small organizations know that shift-left is important, even if they have not yet implemented it. Medium, Large, and Enterprise organizations are in the process of implementing it. 

Automotive Development Focus

Most areas of automotive development focus are in the process of shifting left.