Volkswagen is no longer shy about saying it: its new vehicles might not last as long as the fridge in your house

According to Dirk Hilgenberg , CEO of Cariad , the software division of the Volkswagen Group , the cars of the brands of the German conglomerate, at least the generalists, have a lifespan of 15 years.

This information was given to Ars Technica when asked about the integration of Android Automotive OS as an integrated operating system in the models of the brands of the German group.

Claiming that cars have a lifespan of 15 years , whether this is true or not, implies that the inclusion of technology is intended to make them obsolete faster than before. In addition, this technology makes cars more expensive.

Lifetime updates, but a short lifespan

The Volkswagen Group and other automakers intend to integrate Android Automotive OS into their car models. Support and update time is crucial for operating systems.

Thomas Ulbrich, CEO of Cariad, confirmed that updates will be provided throughout the life of the car, with a useful life of 15 years for hardware and 10 years for software. Prestige brands could benefit from extended support.

Support and update time is crucial to keep operating systems running smoothly and protect against cyberattacks .

Other automakers, such as Polestar , Volvo , General Motors Hummer EV , Honda , Ford , and Stellantis Group companies , have also announced plans to integrate Android Automotive OS into their models. The duration of support and update will be essential to ensure the security and proper functioning of these operating systems .

The life of the models of a generation is a separate thing from that of the car itself. Although the operating system of Volkswagen models may be designed to be supported, to say that a car has a useful life of 15 years is questionable because buying a car is a big investment and depends on several factors such as its components, use and maintenance.

For a manufacturer, limiting the lifespan of its cars can be advantageous because it makes it easier to plan after-sales service in terms of parts and inventory for suppliers. However, this may not be beneficial for the user because if the car stops working, he has to buy another one. The Polo , Volkswagen's cheapest car, costs around 24,000 euros in its basic version.

It is important to distinguish between the average lifespan of a generation of cars and that of a particular car, which can vary depending on many factors such as maintenance, use and components. In addition, it should be noted that the second-hand market is important because it often exceeds that of new cars. In Spain, for example, twice as many used cars are sold as new cars every year, and the best-selling cars are more than 10 years old, because they are the cheapest.

Obsolescence planning is a controversial topic. However, there is another interpretation of these statements: the increasing integration of technology in cars implies that they could become obsolete more quickly, which is a source of concern for consumers.

Although a car may continue to operate without updates to its operating system, it may lose some functionality and become vulnerable in terms of security. In the past, mechanics were basically mechanical experts, not computer scientists, which wasn't a problem when you were driving.

However, it is unclear whether buyers will be ready to keep up: some consumers are hesitant to buy the latest cell phones or new Windows operating systems for their computers, precisely because it means buying a new device. In the case of a car, which represents a much larger investment, this decision can be even more difficult.

In addition, cars have become more and more expensive due to the technology they carry, which can be a barrier for potential buyers. If cars are getting more expensive and have shorter lifespans, that doesn't seem like a good business strategy, unless the goal is to get consumers to buy a new car faster.