Employee of Panasonic Automotive Systems appointed Linux Foundation Japan Evangelist

Yokohama, Japan, May 28, 2025 – Panasonic Automotive Systems Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan; President: Masashi Nagayasu; hereinafter referred to as “PAS”) today announced that effective June 2025, Hiroyuki Ishii will be appointed as an evangelist in the Linux Foundation Japan Evangelist Program, specializing in the automotive sector.

PAS pioneered the use of Linux and other open source software (“OSS”) in in-vehicle software development. As a Gold Member of the Linux Foundation (“LF”) and a Platinum Member of the Automotive Grade Linux (“AGL”) project, the company will continue to play a role in developing the OSS community and evolving in-vehicle OSS.

Ishii was selected as an LF Japan Evangelist in recognition of his continued and dynamic contributions since his appointment to the AGL Steering Committee in 2021, including leading technology strategy discussions and establishing the AGL Open Source Program Office Expert Group. As a community leader for the region, he will support opportunities to play an active role in promoting global innovation from Japan by sharing his experiences and providing information. Additionally, he will promote the adoption and expansion of OSS in Japan by spearheading the following initiatives to address the region’s distinct culture and language.

LF provides a neutral hub to promote collaboration on OSS, open hardware, open standards, and open data. LF Japan, its Japanese office, provides support to Japanese companies and communities to join, and expand and thrive together within the global open ecosystem.

Launched in August 2024, the LF Japan Evangelist Program was introduced to foster a more community-driven approach to promoting LF projects in Japan. Evangelists are individuals with established reputations for exceptional leadership at the forefront of their areas of expertise. With an eye on enhancing initiatives in the automotive sector, Ishii has joined the five evangelists from the inaugural batch.

• Organize user meetings, conferences, and other meetups related to OSS
• Prepare and translate documents and training materials to encourage OSS adoption in Japan
• Encourage OSS adoption through various promotional activities, including delivering talks in Japan and internationally, and writing blog articles

I am extremely honored to be one of the LF Japan Evangelists. OSS is essential for driving sustainable growth and fostering innovation within the industry. I am committed to leveraging my experience as an in-vehicle software engineer and my passion for OSS to drive its adoption in Japan, foster a vibrant community, and promote the value of OSS through this program.

PAS will also continue contributing to OSS to drive technological innovation and foster sustainable development in the automotive industry.

＜Career highlights in OSS＞
2013: Spearheaded the launch of the company’s first Linux-based software platform for in-vehicle infotainment. Following the platform’s launch, he continued to lead its evolution as an OSS and Linux expert, further expanding his knowledge and experience in OSS.
2021: Became a member of the Steering Committee and System Architect Team for the AGL project.
2024: Led AGL’s new strategy discussions and established the AGL Open Source Program Office Expert Group.

Corporate Communication Office, Panasonic Automotive Systems Co., Ltd.
e-mail: press-pas@ml.jp.panasonic.com