The Impact of Manufacturer Bankruptcy on Car Maintenance: A Look into the Future

With the recent bankruptcy filing of Fisker in June, car enthusiasts are left wondering about the future of car maintenance when manufacturers go out of business. The demise of Fisker has raised concerns about the ongoing responsibility of manufacturers in maintaining software in modern vehicles.

The Fisker Ocean, which made it to Autocar’s 100 Best New Cars list in April, now faces uncertainty due to its maker’s financial troubles. This situation is reminiscent of MG Rover’s collapse in 2005, where long-term test vehicles were left in limbo without manufacturer support.

In the past, cars were largely mechanical devices with well-known components that could be easily maintained by independent garages. However, with the increasing reliance on software in modern vehicles, the landscape of car maintenance is changing. Software failures in cars like the Volvo EX30 and Jeep Avenger Electric have left owners stranded, highlighting the importance of ongoing software updates by manufacturers.

As cars become more reliant on software for critical functions, the responsibility for maintenance and updates falls on the manufacturer. This shift raises concerns about the long-term viability of maintaining modern vehicles, especially if manufacturers go out of business. The challenge of keeping software up-to-date and secure poses a significant hurdle for independent garages in the future.

In a world where even major car companies struggle to keep their vehicles on the road, the future of car maintenance remains uncertain. As technology continues to advance, the question remains: who will fix what may eventually become unfixable in the ever-evolving landscape of automotive maintenance?