As carmakers awaken to the dangers of increasing electronics content, the development and deployment of key automotive technologies like Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and the future of legislations mandating electronic technologies aimed at improving overall safety, are at play. So says Frost & Sullivan in a new article entitled: Software Issues in Toyota Motor Corporation, Ford Motor Company and Chevrolet Vehicles – Different Facets of Problems Posed by Electronic in Cars.

Recent recalls from Toyota and Ford were both related to software in the vehicles' anti-lock brake system (ABS); a system that is widely mandated worldwide, including in Europe and the United States, for its safety benefits.

'Despite the fact that the issue is related to hybrid car regenerative breaking alone, it is anticipated to have wider repercussions on the use of electronics in general, especially those of safety systems,' said Frost & Sullivan research analyst Aswinkumar P.

It now remains to be seen whether the recent recalls will lead to stricter enforcement, review and testing of vehicle electronics. At stake are the future design and deployment of these systems as well as inevitable price increases for consumers and potential liability issues for suppliers.

Importantly, it remains to be seen whether any weakening of consumer confidence in vehicle electronics will lead to slowdown of "electronification" of the automobile itself.

'The consequences of the recalls will have repercussions not only for vehicle manufacturers (VMs), but also for electronic system suppliers and regulators who have been slow to act on consumer complaints about vehicle electronics. Until this problem is sorted out amicably and trust restored, consumers are likely to sit apprehensively in their cars surrounded by electronics they no longer trust,' said Krishnasami Rajagopalan, Frost & Sullivan's global program manager – chassis, safety & driver assistance systems group.