Adopting RAG for LLM-Aided Future Vehicle Design

In this paper, we explore the integration of Large Language Models (LLMs) with Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) to enhance automated design and software development in the automotive industry. We present two case studies: a standardization compliance chatbot and a design copilot, both utilizing RAG to provide accurate, context-aware responses. We evaluate four LLMs—GPT-4o, LLAMA3, Mistral, and Mixtral—comparing their answering accuracy and execution time. Our results demonstrate that while GPT-4 offers superior performance, LLAMA3 and Mistral also show promising capabilities for local deployment, addressing data privacy concerns in automotive applications. This study highlights the potential of RAG-augmented LLMs in improving design workflows and compliance in automotive engineering.