What happens to a car when the company behind its software goes under?

Here's something that might surprise you — your car's digital life depends more on the company's survival than you think. Imagine pressing the start button, and nothing happens — not because of a dead battery, but because a server no longer responds. According to Matthew MacConnell writing for Ars Technica, as cars become more like smartphones on wheels — controlling everything from unlocking doors to preconditioning the cabin — their software is now critical to basic functions. But here's the catch: if the company behind that software goes under, your car might become essentially useless. MacConnell points out that today’s vehicles rely heavily on remote servers and subscriptions, so losing that connection could mean losing core features — possibly even the ability to drive. So what does this mean for you? More than ever, your car’s digital health is tied to the company’s stability. Expect to see more discussions about how to keep these vehicles running long-term, even if the software providers disappear. The future of driving might be more fragile than we realized.