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Nov 11, 2025 In this engaging discussion, automotive systems engineer Florian Rode explains the complexities of software testing in vehicles, revealing how easy it is for glitches to emerge. Retired radiologist Peter Rothschild shares a chilling tale of how a software update almost sent him off a cliff in his Volvo. Together, they explore the risks of treating cars like tech products, the implications of over-the-air updates, and the urgent need for better cybersecurity standards in the automotive industry.
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Longtime Volvo Owner's Near-Fatal Update
- Peter Rothschild bought an XC90 Hybrid because he trusted Volvo's safety reputation after decades of driving the brand.
- A software update soon froze screens and later contributed to a near-fatal downhill brake failure that he captured on dashcam.
Cars Are Computers With Wheels
- Modern cars are as much software as hardware and receive over-the-air updates like phones.
- That shift means software bugs can produce immediate, real-world safety hazards on the road.
Improvised Runaway Ramp Saved His Life
- While coasting downhill, Peter's brakes eased after a software update and he feared going off the cliff.
- He deliberately drove into rocks like a truck runaway ramp to stop the car and survived.