Software is increasingly becoming the dominant factor in the automotive industry. This shift is changing the traditional vehicle manufacturing process, with a growing emphasis on software development skills. The trend is likened to Marc Andreessen’s 2011 prediction that “software is eating the world”.
The complexity of modern vehicles is escalating due to the integration of advanced features such as autonomous driving, connectivity, and electrification. These features are software-driven, and their development requires a different skill set than traditional mechanical engineering.
The industry’s shift towards software is causing disruption, as car manufacturers must now compete with tech companies for talent. Traditional car makers are also having to adapt their corporate cultures to attract software engineers, who often prefer flexible, start-up environments.
The dominance of software in cars is raising safety concerns. As vehicles become more like “computers on wheels”, there are increased risks of software bugs and cyber attacks. Regulators are struggling to keep up with the pace of change, and there is a need for new safety standards to address these risks.
The move towards software-centric cars is also changing the nature of car ownership. With software updates, cars can now improve over time, which could extend their lifespan and change the dynamics of the used-car market.
In summary, software is reshaping the automotive industry in profound ways, from the skills needed to build cars, to safety considerations, to the very concept of car ownership.
Go to source article: https://spectrum.ieee.org/cars-that-think/transportation/advanced-cars/software-eating-car