A method, system, and computer-readable code with which a computing platform for automobiles can be constructed using software components. In particular, device functionality and platform software functionality available to computer applications are represented as JavaBeans in the Java computer programming language. Applications can be written to run on an automotive computing platform to access the device functionality using JavaBeans components. In this manner, software can be optimized for particular automotive applications or particular environments of devices and/or software, while still providing applications that are usable in a wide variety of automobile computing platforms and device configurations.