Home / Technology / Car's Software Dies, Car Dies: The New Road Hazard
Car's Software Dies, Car Dies: The New Road Hazard
18 Feb
Summary
- Manufacturer bankruptcy can render cars inoperable, akin to a bricked device.
- Software-dependent vehicles face risks from company failure and lack of support.
- Industry initiatives like Catena-X aim to mitigate software obsolescence risks.
The increasing integration of software into vehicles means their operational status is now tied to the survival of the companies that code them. When manufacturers fail, the consequences can render cars inoperable, transforming them into unusable objects. This concern is highlighted by past cases like Fisker's bankruptcy in 2024, which left vehicles stranded, and Better Place's 2013 insolvency, which bricked Renault Fluence Z.E. models.
This trend shifts vehicle repair from traditional mechanical expertise to IT support, where manufacturers control the essential code. Without ongoing manufacturer support, older or unsupported vehicles can become cybersecurity liabilities. Initiatives such as Catena-X are emerging to address these risks by standardizing data and creating traceable digital records for software and parts, aiming to make supply chains more resilient.
