Marc Andreessen

Factual · Technology

“In today’s cars, software runs the engines, controls safety features, entertains passengers, guides drivers to destinations and connects each car to mobile, satellite and GPS networks.”

Marc Andreessen, a16z co-founder, essay author · 20 August 2011 · Why Software Is Eating the World (a16z)

In 2011 cars' software runs engines, controls safety features, provides entertainment and navigation, and connects cars to mobile, satellite and GPS networks.

Unresolvable The public record could not settle it.

The second judge would not resolve this claim; the verdict shown is the first judge's.

Said for an organisation they lead or work for; it counts on both records.

What would count as true or false

Judged as of 2011-08-20 for typical new cars of that time (not necessarily every car). The claim has five functions: software running engines (ECUs), controlling safety features (ABS, airbags, stability control), entertaining passengers (infotainment), guiding drivers (navigation), and connecting cars to mobile, satellite and GPS networks. True: evidence shows that software performed all five in mainstream 2011 cars, with connectivity at least common in available systems (for example OnStar, SYNC, GPS navigation, satellite radio). Mostly true: all five held, but one, such as full mobile connectivity, was limited to higher-end models. Mixed: two or so of the functions were not commonly software-driven in 2011. Mostly false or false: most of the listed functions were not software-controlled in 2011 cars.

Evidence

1. Electronic Stability Control Systems Motor (Motor.com), trade magazine, by Dave Hobbs · June 2011

   “Electronic stability control systems will become mandatory on every passenger vehicle”

2. The Straight Stuff on Electronic Stability Control Systems Motor Age (motor.com), by Dave Hobbs · June 2011

   “Moving forward, 85% of all 2010 cars and 100% of 2010 SUVs have stability control.”

3. The Straight Stuff on Electronic Stability Control Systems Motor Age (motor.com), by Dave Hobbs · June 2011

   “The remaining and most important component is invisible—the software!”

4. The Straight Stuff on Electronic Stability Control Systems Motor Age (motor.com), by Dave Hobbs · June 2011

   “What ESC does do is allow a minor amount of poor judgment while cornering to be turned into a minor amount of forgiveness by reducing engine power and applying the correct wheel(s) brake(s) when a skid is detected.”

5. 2011 Nissan LEAF Press Kit Nissan North America (usa.nissannews.com) · 28 October 2010

   “Through CARWINGS, Nissan LEAF drivers are able to use mobile phones to turn on air conditioning and set charging functions remotely, even when the vehicle is powered down.”

6. 2011 Nissan LEAF Press Kit Nissan North America (usa.nissannews.com) · 28 October 2010

   “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS) are also standard on all LEAF models.”

7. 2011 GMC Savana Passenger Van Specs & Trims CarBuzz

   “Navigation SystemNot Available”

8. 2011 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon Specs & Trims CarBuzz

   “Navigation from TelematicsStandard”

Reasoning

The evidence shows that stability control was widespread and relied on software [E2][E3], that one 2011 model could be controlled remotely by mobile phone [E5], and that navigation was offered on some 2011 models but not others [E7][E8]. No evidence item addresses software running engines or entertaining passengers, so the evidence cannot show that all five functions held, as the criteria require.

Cite this claim

Marc Andreessen, “In 2011 cars' software runs engines, controls safety features, provides entertainment and navigation, and connects cars to mobile, satellite and GPS networks.” (said 20 August 2011). Verdict: unresolvable. Reliability API, claim c_a82f3c4f5b8a, method 0.1.0+c876030c. https://epistacklabs.com/claims/c_a82f3c4f5b8a