The Software Defined Vehicle Is Still More Wish Than Reality

Here is a Software Defined Vehicle video that covers a lot of ground. Car companies are all talking a big game about adding software to their vehicles, including big data, software updates, connectivity, and more. The possibilities are exciting, but you only have to read the news to know that the road to get there is proving bumpier than they’d like. (See this story too.)

Getting the mix of Silicon Valley software + automotive system integration + vehicle automation technology right is still a big challenge. This video talks about the possibilities. But to get there, OEMs still have a lot of work to do achieving a viable culture that addresses inherent tensions:
Cutting edge cloud software vs. life critical embedded systemsRole of automation vs. realistic expectations of human driversA shift from “recall” mentality to continuous improvement processesFast updates vs. assured safety integrityRole of suppliers vs. OEM, especially for autonomous vehicle functionsMonetizing data vs. consumer rightsOEMs stepping up to the system integration challengesGetting a regulatory approach that balances risks and benefits across all stakeholders(Sadly, the video includes an incorrect statement that “95% to 96% of the accidents happen because of distracted driving” in the context of fatalities. Drivers are not perfect, but distracted driving only contributes to about 9% of fatalities per US DOT, about one-tenth of what was stated.)