New Ford models can get over-the-internet software updates

That is true. Telematics now allows remote services of the vehicle. Anything you imagine that has an ECU can be remotely controlled. You can immobilize the engine, open or close windows, turn the AC on or off, lock or unlock doors and remote start. If Ford is proclaiming this now they are a little bit behind the game as JOEMs and EOEMs have been doing this for more than a few years now. It’s actually the supplier that makes the hardware and applications for this functionality. The vehicle company has to construct the backend servers to process this and you know that all your data will be sold to insurance company’s or what not. Now everything and every time you drive you will be tracked and the information recorded. Systems of control.

@burning bush

the reality is that young people’s future is pretty dismal

Well behind the game. Last car I bought in 2019 does all this. Constant up to date Navigation is very good.

Will the subscription be for anti-virus software, reducing the chances of your car being hacked and an Eastern European gang driving you over a cliff if you don't transfer Bitcoins?

So, they'll be activate your brakes, turn off your engine and lock your doors remotely.

Gee, GMs On-Star telematics has been around since 1996 and you are just now realizing what on board telematics can do?

 Anything you imagine that has an ECU can be remotely controlled. You can immobilize the engine, open or close windows, turn the AC on or off, lock or unlock doors and remote start.

Heck, BMWs overly complicated CAN-Bus does most of that without anyone hacking into it, lol. They will lock the doors, roll the windows up and turn the ac off and leave you pounding on the windows to get out. Engines turn off for no reason while driving down the freeway. Just part of the fun of owning a post 2004 BMW car. Kludge!

Find the antenna and remove it. I wonder how much of it can be disabled by unplugging connections or pulling fuses without affecting the rest of the car's function?

Will the subscription be for anti-virus software, reducing the chances of your car being hacked and an Eastern European gang driving you over a cliff if you don't transfer Bitcoins?

I can already load engine maps off the internet and load these into my car and some of my motorcycles. What is to prevent malware being loaded with those maps other than the trustworthiness of the source?

This would have happened in the 90s had developers been prevented from adding PC features to cars then would have had alot better support than we do now.

This would have happened in the 90s had developers been prevented from adding PC features to cars then would have had alot better support than we do now.

Uh, how exactly were developers prevented from adding PC features to cars? I have been a car enthusiast since the 1960s and this is the first time I ever heard this story. What are the instances where auto manufacturers prevented their engineers and designers from adding PC features to their new car designs? Please be specific.