Linux in mixed-criticality systems

Great comment. I think adding a lot of Software in embedded devices also drastically increases the loss in value because of course you can't replace them once they stop receiving updates - although this may be discovered as an additional revenue stream instead of trying to get people to buy new cars.

There really is no good reason for an in-vehicle entertainment system providing anything beyond sound or display output and perhaps networking, since passengers usually have a powerful device like a smartphone or tablet with them which they replace more often than the car. The same also goes for airplanes.

I use the train a lot here in Germany, and while the railway company gets a lot wrong in the software / digitalization realm at least they resisted the temptation to outfit the trains with an entertainment system like you have on some airlines. Instead you can log-in to the on-board wifi over which they also offer a streaming service (persumably with lots of content cached on the train), since people bring their own devices anyways.

> So, yes, piling on tons of gadgets and features to otherwise basic form of transportation is a big way they can help plump up the profits of their dealer networks.

You can diversify a lot in the realm of sales here by offering choices so no two car buys are similar and then upselling the hell out of it - "want the soundsystem? You also have to get the undercoating." I never personally bought a car but from what I hear it's a very unpleasant experience, especially if you don't like to haggle.