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The idea that a software/firmware bug in the electronics that controls the gas pedal could kill me is deeply, deeply unsettling. If you put electronics into bas

by seldo 17y ago

The idea that a software/firmware bug in the electronics that controls the gas pedal could kill me is deeply, deeply unsettling. If you put electronics into basic systems of a car like this, I want it to be like plane electronics: three of everything, with a majority rule.

potatolicious 17y ago
I've worked in an automotives parts plant, and let me tell you right now: be afraid, be very afraid. Well okay, that's overly dramatic, but your expectation of cars being built like planes is just not happening, nor is it likely to ever happen. The fact of the matter is, car prices are something that is constantly under intense consumer and competitive pressure. Every auto maker wants to make their cars cheaper and cheaper, and at the end of the day something has to give for the prices consumers demand... this includes redundancy and QA. In the short time I was in the industry, I was involved in multiple recalls - none of which as deadly as Toyota's here, but all of which were the direct result of cost cutting. In two of those recalls, the blame lied solely on using cheaper, brittle plastic parts as a cost-cutting measure applied by the major automakers. Not that they're pocketing the savings of course, those generally get passed straight onto you, the consumer. Shortly after I left the industry Toyota unveiled the Camry redesign - and I remember remarking that something bad had to happen with this car. It gave way too much bang for your buck, I cannot imagine the invisible corners that were cut to bring this vehicle to market. Now I suppose we know - and the age-old mantra still rings true: there ain't no such thing as a free lunch. Keep that in mind when you buy your next car, seriously. The plant where I worked made parts for everything from cheapo Pontiacs to expensive Mercedes - and let me tell you, you do get what you pay for. Disregard ignorant laymen who insist that the expensive marques are nothing but branding, there is a very, very real difference in what you're getting (and that includes tolerances, redundancy, and testing level).

by seldo 17y ago

potatolicious 17y ago

I've worked in an automotives parts plant, and let me tell you right now: be afraid, be very afraid. Well okay, that's overly dramatic, but your expectation of cars being built like planes is just not happening, nor is it likely to ever happen. The fact of the matter is, car prices are something that is constantly under intense consumer and competitive pressure. Every auto maker wants to make their cars cheaper and cheaper, and at the end of the day something has to give for the prices consumers demand... this includes redundancy and QA. In the short time I was in the industry, I was involved in multiple recalls - none of which as deadly as Toyota's here, but all of which were the direct result of cost cutting. In two of those recalls, the blame lied solely on using cheaper, brittle plastic parts as a cost-cutting measure applied by the major automakers. Not that they're pocketing the savings of course, those generally get passed straight onto you, the consumer. Shortly after I left the industry Toyota unveiled the Camry redesign - and I remember remarking that something bad had to happen with this car. It gave way too much bang for your buck, I cannot imagine the invisible corners that were cut to bring this vehicle to market. Now I suppose we know - and the age-old mantra still rings true: there ain't no such thing as a free lunch. Keep that in mind when you buy your next car, seriously. The plant where I worked made parts for everything from cheapo Pontiacs to expensive Mercedes - and let me tell you, you do get what you pay for. Disregard ignorant laymen who insist that the expensive marques are nothing but branding, there is a very, very real difference in what you're getting (and that includes tolerances, redundancy, and testing level).