Abstract. In this paper we present the software architecture DANA based on components for distributed systems in vehicles. Components use and provide services. Since they are binary codes that are deployable and configurable at system's runtime, it is possible to alter the set of services during the life cycle of a vehicle. Due to the flexibility of this architecture emerging new application services for drivers and passengers can be added at any time. In order to enable the offering of such application services there is a need for services collaboration inside the distributed system which meets QoS requirements. Because the existence of many small control units in future vehicles is expected, an architecture must regard also the services provided by them. We show that the presented architecture is suitable for such an automotive environment.