(Yicai Global) Dec. 19 -- China's Ministry of Science and Technology today approved software for automotive electronic infrastructure developed by Isoft Infrastructure Software Co., a unit of state-owned China Electronics Technology Group Co.

This is a major project for science and technology in China, the ministry said on its website. Two state-owned car makers, Chongqing Changan Automobile Co. [SHE:000625] and Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. [SHA:601238] have also been involved in research and development of the software, which will help put China's auto manufacturing on par with other nations.

In the project's early stages, iSoft sold 550,000 units to five major auto manufacturers, including Changan and GAC, for CNY100 million (USD15 million). Carmakers have used the platform to make a million car parts and saved about CNY140 million in the process.

The software conforms to AUTOSAR (automotive open system architecture) and has received approval from the German quality certification system, the company claims on its website. The platform is also compatible with vehicle electronics systems in Germany.

Isoft set up the first open source community in China's automotive industry late last year to encourage technology sharing among the country's vehicle electronics makers and promote development of the sector.