Connected Car Crisis

Connected Cars: A Connectivity Crisis
The promise of the connected car, once a beacon of automotive innovation, is now casting a long shadow. As automakers race to integrate advanced software and features into their vehicles, a growing disconnect between hardware and software is emerging.

The recent spate of connectivity issues, particularly those stemming from the 3G sunset, has exposed the fragility of the automotive ecosystem. Models as recent as 2019 are now facing feature limitations, leaving owners frustrated and questioning the long-term value of their vehicles. It’s almost unbelievable that cars relied on the 3G network for OTA (Over-the-Air) updates but back in “very recent day”, the lowest common denominator was chosen and that was 3G.

​While automakers like Volkswagen and Nissan grapple with the consequences of outdated connectivity, the industry as a whole is facing a critical challenge: how to ensure that vehicles remain connected and up-to-date throughout their lifespan.

The concept of the "software-defined vehicle" holds immense potential, but it also carries significant risks. Automakers must strike a delicate balance between delivering cutting-edge features and ensuring long-term support for their products.

All this leaves consumers wondering about the true lifespan of their connected cars and the value of features that could become obsolete in just a few years. Let’s not get started about bugs in the update code either.

What do you think? Should automakers be held responsible for ensuring long-term connectivity in their vehicles?
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