China's Connected Car Collapse Is a Warning for the American Market
China's electric vehicle startups are failing, notably WM Motor's bankruptcy, leaving many cars without software support. This raises concerns about the sustainability of connected car technology in the U.S. market.
Read original article
The decline of China's electric vehicle (EV) startups serves as a cautionary tale for the American automotive market. Many of these companies, which thrived on government subsidies, have collapsed following the withdrawal of financial support, leading to a significant number of connected cars becoming obsolete. Notably, WM Motor, one of the largest failed automakers, filed for bankruptcy in October 2023, ceasing software support for its vehicles. This has resulted in widespread malfunctions in features such as stereos and app-controlled functions, affecting around 160,000 car owners. Although WM Motor has restored some server functionality, it has not provided software updates since its bankruptcy, leaving many features inaccessible. The situation in China highlights the risks associated with reliance on software-driven technology in vehicles, a concern echoed by incidents in the U.S., such as Tesla's 2021 outage and issues faced by Fisker owners. As the American market continues to embrace connected cars, the potential for similar failures looms, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to ensure ongoing support and functionality for consumers.
- China's EV market is experiencing significant failures, with over 20 brands shutting down.
- WM Motor's bankruptcy has left many connected cars without software support, affecting numerous features.
- The situation in China raises concerns about the sustainability of connected car technology in the U.S.
- Past incidents in the U.S. highlight the risks of software reliance in vehicles.
- Proactive measures are needed to prevent similar issues in the American automotive market.
Related
China's manufacturers are going broke
China's manufacturing sector is struggling, exemplified by the bankruptcy of Hengchi's subsidiaries. The EV maker's sales fell drastically short of its ambitious targets, affecting global supply chains and competition.
When EV startups shut down, will their cars still work?
The bankruptcy of EV startups like WM Motor raises concerns about vehicle functionality, as owners lose access to app-based features. Consumers prefer established brands to avoid risks associated with new manufacturers.
EV owners face software blackouts as startups go under in China
Chinese EV startups face financial troubles, with WM Motor's bankruptcy leaving drivers unable to access essential app features. Over 160,000 owners worry about vehicle serviceability amid shifting consumer preferences.
China's Connected Car Collapse Is a Warning for the American Market
The collapse of Chinese EV startups, particularly WM Motor, has left many vehicles without software support, raising concerns about similar risks in the U.S. market and the need for better safeguards.
When EV startups shut down, will their cars still work?
Chinese EV startups face financial troubles, causing software issues for owners. WM Motor's bankruptcy affects access to vehicle features, raising concerns for 160,000 car owners about long-term serviceability and maintenance.
1 commentsRelated
China's manufacturers are going broke
China's manufacturing sector is struggling, exemplified by the bankruptcy of Hengchi's subsidiaries. The EV maker's sales fell drastically short of its ambitious targets, affecting global supply chains and competition.
When EV startups shut down, will their cars still work?
The bankruptcy of EV startups like WM Motor raises concerns about vehicle functionality, as owners lose access to app-based features. Consumers prefer established brands to avoid risks associated with new manufacturers.
EV owners face software blackouts as startups go under in China
Chinese EV startups face financial troubles, with WM Motor's bankruptcy leaving drivers unable to access essential app features. Over 160,000 owners worry about vehicle serviceability amid shifting consumer preferences.
China's Connected Car Collapse Is a Warning for the American Market
The collapse of Chinese EV startups, particularly WM Motor, has left many vehicles without software support, raising concerns about similar risks in the U.S. market and the need for better safeguards.
When EV startups shut down, will their cars still work?
Chinese EV startups face financial troubles, causing software issues for owners. WM Motor's bankruptcy affects access to vehicle features, raising concerns for 160,000 car owners about long-term serviceability and maintenance.