VI-Grade
VI-grade provides simulation-driven vehicle development solutions—real-time dynamics software, driving simulators, and Hardware-in-the-Loop platforms—for automotive OEMs (Ford, Volvo, Mercedes-AMG, Bentley, Škoda), Tier-1 suppliers (Bridgestone, Goodyear), motorsport teams, and research institutions. It operates as HBK's simulation subsidiary within the Spectris group.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2005
- HeadquartersDarmstadt, Germany
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What VI-Grade does
VI-grade is a provider of human-centric, simulation-driven vehicle development solutions that combine real-time vehicle dynamics software, driving simulators (ranging from desktop units to full-scale DiM500 cable-driven dynamic platforms with 5-meter motion range), and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) testing systems. The company's core software stack comprises four flagship products—VI-CarRealTime for real-time vehicle simulation, VI-DriveSim as the simulator control platform, VI-WorldSim for Unreal Engine-based graphics and AI-driven traffic/sensor simulation, and VI-NVHSim for noise/vibration analysis—supported by modular add-ons (VI-Driver, VI-MotionCueing, VI-ZeroLatency, VI-Automotive, VI-Road, VI-SimSound) and the AutoHawk HiL platform powered by Concurrent Real-Time. The company serves automotive OEMs (Ford, Volvo, Mercedes-AMG, Bentley, Škoda, Alpine, Mahindra), Tier-1 suppliers (Bridgestone, Goodyear, HORIBA MIRA), motorsport teams, and academic institutions such as Politecnico di Milano. VI-grade operates as a subsidiary of HBK (Hottinger Bruel & Kjaer), which is part of the Spectris group, with VI-grade GmbH incorporated in Germany and operational headquarters in Udine, Italy.
The company generates revenue through four primary streams: software licenses (annual subscriptions for the VI-* software suite), driving simulator hardware sales (one-time capital purchases ranging from DESKTOP entry-level to DiM500 flagship systems), engineering services (custom solutions, training, technical support), and SimCenter rentals (COMPACT Simulator rental program). Distribution combines direct enterprise sales from headquarters and regional offices with a global network of channel and technology partners, alongside five owned SimCenters in Udine (Italy), Detroit (USA), Tokyo (Japan), Yantai and Shanghai (China), and the partner-operated EDAG Zero Prototype Lab in Germany. The company holds ISO9001 and TISAX certifications, hosts the Smart Prototypes Summit jointly with HBK (320+ attendees from 100+ companies in 2026), and maintains an extensive ecosystem of validated vehicle models, proving grounds, urban environments, and racing circuits as digital content assets available to customers.
VI-Grade firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- VI-Grade
- Legal name
- VI-grade GmbH
- Website
- https://vi-grade.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2005
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- VI-grade provides simulation-driven vehicle development solutions—real-time dynamics software, driving simulators, and Hardware-in-the-Loop platforms—for automotive OEMs (Ford, Volvo, Mercedes-AMG, Bentley, Škoda), Tier-1 suppliers (Bridgestone, Goodyear), motorsport teams, and research institutions. It operates as HBK's simulation subsidiary within the Spectris group.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
VI-Grade industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Automotive Simulation Software
- NAICS
- Software Publishers (51321), Custom Computer Programming Services (541511)
- SIC
- Services-Prepackaged Software (7372), Services-Computer Programming Services (7371)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Serious Games & Simulation Studios (Training, Defense, Enterprise) (MPAFAAAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- VR/XR Hardware & Accessories (Headsets, Controllers, Trackers, Haptics) (MPAFAGAG), XR/AR/VR/MR Development Frameworks & Toolchains (MPAFAFAF)
Keywords
Where VI-Grade is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Darmstadt
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices5 records
Markets served
VI-Grade business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Software Licenses: VI-grade offers real-time simulation software products including VI-CarRealTime, VI-WorldSim, VI-DriveSim, VI-NVHSim. These are sold as licenses with version releases (e.g., 2026.2). The software supports both standalone and integrated configurations.
- Driving Simulators Hardware: Complete driving simulator systems ranging from DESKTOP entry-level to full-scale DiM dynamic simulators. Includes hardware platforms with cockpits, motion systems, and visual displays.
- Engineering Services: Professional engineering services including tailored engineering solutions, technical support, training programs, and SimCenter access for customers without their own simulators.
- SimCenter Rentals: COMPACT Simulator rental program allowing customers to access simulator facilities without capital investment.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Quote-based enterprise pricing |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
VI-Grade product offering
Product offeringCore offering
VI-grade develops and sells real-time vehicle dynamics simulation software and driving simulator hardware for automotive, tire, motorsport, motorcycle, aircraft, and rail industries. Its flagship software portfolio includes VI-CarRealTime, VI-DriveSim, VI-WorldSim, and VI-NVHSim, complemented by full-spectrum driving simulator hardware (DESKTOP, COMPACT, STATIC, and DiM DYNAMIC systems), AutoHawk Hardware-in-the-Loop platforms, and the VI-DataDrive Cloud simulation platform. Customers purchase these products via direct enterprise quote-based sales, supported by SimCenter access, engineering services, training, and validated vehicle/proving-ground digital models.
Product overview
VI-Grade offers a comprehensive portfolio of driving simulation and real-time vehicle simulation software for human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development. The portfolio is organized as a platform-plus-modules architecture centered on four flagship software products: VI-CarRealTime for real-time vehicle dynamics simulation, VI-DriveSim as the driving simulator control platform, VI-WorldSim for high-resolution graphics and AI-driven traffic simulation, and VI-NVHSim for noise/vibration/harshness analysis. These core products integrate with the hardware simulator lineup spanning DESKTOP (entry-level), COMPACT (space-efficient with variants for NVH, FSS, and HMI), STATIC (fixed-base with real car cockpit), and DiM DYNAMIC simulators (actuator-based DiM50/150/250 and cable-driven DiM400/500 with 5m motion range). Supporting modules include VI-Driver, VI-MotionCueing, VI-Dashboard, VI-ZeroLatency (AI-based latency compensation), VI-Automotive, VI-Road, VI-SimSound, and specialized products for motorcycles (VI-BikeRealTime, VI-Motorcycle), aircraft (VI-Aircraft), and rail (VI-Rail). AutoHawk provides hardware-in-the-loop capability, while VI-DataDrive Cloud enables scalable cloud simulation. The company operates SimCenters in Udine (Italy), Detroit, Tokyo, Yantai, and Shanghai, offering engineering services, training, technical support, and rental programs alongside validated vehicle models and digital proving ground/circuit libraries.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- VI-CarRealTime Real-time vehicle dynamics simulation software enabling engineers to investigate and diagnose vehicle behavior using a single simplified vehicle model from concept to sign-off.
- VI-DriveSim Driving simulator control software platform managing and synchronizing all driving simulator software tools and native/third-party components.
- VI-WorldSim High-resolution graphic environment with realistic multi-agent AI traffic simulation and sensor fusion, built on Unreal Engine, for offline and on-driving-simulator vehicle development.
- VI-NVHSim Core NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) simulation software powering VI-grade NVH simulator solutions with calibrated audio and multi-axis vibration feedback.
- AutoHawk Flexible Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) platform powered by Concurrent Real-Time supporting 8–64 core configurations for automotive ECU validation and ADAS development from concept to sign-off.
- VI-DataDrive Cloud Scalable cloud platform for high-performance vehicle simulation with batch processing and standardized reports, enabling CI workflows and automated simulation pipelines.
- DiM Cable-driven DYNAMIC Simulator (DiM400/DiM500) Revolutionary cable-driven driving simulator (DiM400/DiM500) enabling more than 5 meters of motion range for replicating real-world test loads with high adaptability.
- Actuator-based DiM DYNAMIC Simulator (DiM50/DiM150/DiM250) Actuator-driven family of dynamic driving simulators (DiM50/DiM150/DiM250) for multi-disciplinary vehicle development with actuator-driven motion.
- COMPACT Simulator Compact driving simulator delivering all main features of VI-grade driving simulators in a simple cockpit for handling, ADAS, and NVH vehicle behavior evaluation.
- DESKTOP Simulator Entry-level driving simulator enabling engineers to test-drive vehicles from their desk with basic R&H and NVH behavior validation using AutoHawk real-time computing with RedHawk Linux RTOS.
- STATIC Simulator Fixed-base simulator built from a real car cockpit enabling engineers and test drivers to work on new vehicle concept development for ADAS, HMI, and NVH evaluation.
- HexaRev Next-generation Driver-in-the-Loop full-spectrum simulation platform representing the latest advancement in driving simulator technology.
- COMPACT HMI Simulator Comprehensive simulation-driven platform for vehicle HMI and UX interface design and validation, supporting intuitive UI development and user experience evaluation.
- VI-BikeRealTime Real-time motorcycle simulation software using MSC Adams multi-body technology, enabling motorcycle development from concept to sign-off.
- VI-Aircraft Specialized aircraft and landing gear simulation software powered by MSC Adams multi-body technology for airframe loads and landing gear design and testing.
- VI-Rail Specialized railway simulation software for bogie component design and vehicle performance analysis including stability, comfort, and safety.
- Engineering Services Professional engineering services supporting VI-grade simulator deployment, customization, integration, and tailored automation for customer-specific requirements.
- SimCenter Access (Udine, Detroit, Tokyo, Yantai, Shanghai) Owned and operated simulation centers in Italy, USA, China, and Japan providing demonstration, rental, and access services for customers without their own simulators.
- COMPACT Simulator Rental Rental program for COMPACT simulators enabling flexible access to VI-grade simulation technology without capital investment.
- Validated Vehicle Models Run-ready vehicle models for VI-CarRealTime validated against physical vehicle test data, providing accurate digital twins for advanced simulation in partnership with Applus+ IDIADA (includes Mercedes EQS, BMW iX3, Hyundai IONIQ 5, Kia Sorento, Ford Focus C519, Volkswagen Golf 8, BMW 3 Series G20).
Quantifiable outcome
- Bridgestone expects up to 12,000 fewer prototype tires needed annually with DiM500 simulator
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use VI-Grade
Customer profileNamed customers13 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
VI-Grade technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration25 records
AI capability8 records
Feature11 records
VI-Grade partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- HBK (Hottinger Brüel & Kjær)coreVI-grade and HBK jointly developed the Smart Testing concept combining virtual simulation with physical testing. Partnership includes co-hosting the Smart Prototypes Summit series, integrating HBK nCode durability software and ReliaSoft reliability tools into VI-grade simulators. HBK Vice President serves as co-presenter of Smart Testing vision.
- Concurrent Real-TimecoreAutoHawk HiL solution powered by Concurrent Real-Time technology including REDHAWK Linux RTOS and SIMulation Workbench. Provides real-time computing platforms for driving simulators and HiL applications.
- Applus+ IDIADAcoreLong-standing partnership providing engineering services and validated vehicle models. Applus+ IDIADA conducts physical vehicle testing to create digital twins for VI-CarRealTime platform.
- MCityminorPartnership to enhance automotive research with state-of-the-art simulation technology. VI-WorldSim includes MCity test environment for autonomous vehicle testing.
- HORIBA MIRAminorVirtual proving ground data partnership providing HORIBA MIRA's proving ground environments for offline and online simulation through VI-grade platforms.
- STEP LabminorStrategic partnership for advanced Hardware-in-the-Loop solutions combining VI-grade simulation with STEP Lab expertise.
- EDAG GroupminorEDAG operates Zero Prototype Lab featuring VI-grade cable-driven DiM500 driving simulator. Partnership represents shared commitment to innovation in engineering services.
- MultimaticminorMultimatic Vehicle Dynamics Center hosts SimCenter Detroit with VI-grade DiM250 simulator and North America's first HyperDock cockpit.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights7 records
VI-Grade competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- IPG Automotive: IPG Automotive (maker of CarMaker) is the closest direct competitor to VI-grade in real-time vehicle dynamics and driving simulation software, serving overlapping automotive OEM and tier-1 customers with similar concept-to-sign-off workflows.
- Ansible Motion: Ansible Motion builds professional driving simulators (including the sigma and dSPACE-based platforms) used by automotive OEMs and universities for vehicle dynamics and ADAS evaluation, directly competing with VI-grade's DiM and COMPACT simulator lines.
- dSPACE: dSPACE is a leading supplier of hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) and simulation platforms for automotive ECU and ADAS development, directly competing with VI-grade's AutoHawk HiL solution and overlapping with VI-DriveSim/DriveSim integration.
- AVL: AVL provides powertrain, vehicle dynamics, and ADAS development tools and driving simulators (CRUISE), serving the same automotive OEM and tier-1 customer base as VI-grade with overlapping simulation and HiL offerings.
- Mechanical Simulation: Mechanical Simulation (CarSim, TruckSim, BikeSim) competes directly with VI-CarRealTime in real-time vehicle dynamics simulation for ride & handling, ADAS, and autonomous vehicle development.
- Cruden: Cruden designs and builds professional driving simulators for automotive OEMs and motorsport, overlapping with VI-grade's COMPACT and DiM dynamic simulator product lines.
- AB Dynamics: AB Dynamics (parent of rFpro) offers driving simulation software (rFpro) and track testing robots serving the same automotive testing and ADAS validation customer base as VI-grade, with complementary simulation-to-track workflows.
Broad incumbents
- Siemens Digital Industries Software (Simcenter): Siemens Simcenter bundles vehicle dynamics, NVH, durability, and systems simulation into a broad CAE platform that overlaps with VI-grade's software portfolio and competes especially in NVH and multi-attribute workflows at large OEMs.
- Hexagon (MSC Software): Hexagon's MSC Software (Adams, Actran) is a foundation technology for VI-grade's products and competes as a broader CAE suite in NVH, multi-body dynamics, and vehicle development workflows.
- Ansys: Ansys provides multiphysics simulation (structures, fluids, optics, systems) that overlaps with VI-grade workflows in NVH, durability, and autonomous vehicle sensor simulation, often as part of larger enterprise CAE agreements.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
VI-Grade social profiles
Digital presenceVI-Grade compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
VI-Grade financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
VI-Grade leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
VI-Grade funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
VI-Grade M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about VI-Grade
What does VI-Grade do?
VI-grade develops and sells real-time vehicle dynamics simulation software and driving simulator hardware for automotive, tire, motorsport, motorcycle, aircraft, and rail industries. Its flagship software portfolio includes VI-CarRealTime, VI-DriveSim, VI-WorldSim, and VI-NVHSim, complemented by full-spectrum driving simulator hardware (DESKTOP, COMPACT, STATIC, and DiM DYNAMIC systems), AutoHawk Hardware-in-the-Loop platforms, and the VI-DataDrive Cloud simulation platform. Customers purchase these products via direct enterprise quote-based sales, supported by SimCenter access, engineering services, training, and validated vehicle/proving-ground digital models.
Is VI-Grade a public or private company?
VI-Grade is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was VI-Grade founded?
VI-Grade was founded in 2005. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is VI-Grade based?
VI-Grade is headquartered in Darmstadt, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does VI-Grade make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Software Licenses are the primary driver. The others are driving Simulators Hardware, engineering Services and simCenter Rentals.
Who are VI-Grade's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are IPG Automotive, Ansible Motion, dSPACE, AVL, Mechanical Simulation, Cruden and AB Dynamics. Broad incumbents are Siemens Digital Industries Software (Simcenter), Hexagon (MSC Software) and Ansys.
Does VI-Grade have an API?
No public API is recorded for VI-Grade.
What industry is VI-Grade in?
VI-Grade's product category is Automotive Simulation Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAFAAAH, Serious Games & Simulation Studios (Training, Defense, Enterprise), with a secondary code of MPAFAGAG, VR/XR Hardware & Accessories (Headsets, Controllers, Trackers, Haptics). Its NAICS code is 51321 and its SIC code is 7372.