[rkomorn]

> Why don't classic manufacturers not ramp up their software quality side?

I've wondered this but it does seem to me that the companies that do the best software also seem to be the newer companies that were driven by investors instead of sales/profitability.

Can classic manufacturers afford the kind of spending it takes to overcome inertia and make quick strides on the software side when it likely won't move the needle on sales anywhere near as much as it costs them?

Edit: for me, it's similar to what we see in the "flying taxi" maybe-autonomous eVTOL field: Airbus gave it a shake, but there are at least half a dozen startups bankrolled by VCs outspending them on a prayer they'll be the one to succeed.

[constantcrying]

>Can classic manufacturers afford the kind of spending it takes to overcome inertia and make quick strides on the software side when it likely won't move the needle on sales anywhere near as much as it costs them?

Look at how much VW has spent. They built up entire Software company and they are now giving billions to Rivian.

[labcomputer]

It’s not how much they spent, but how they spent it. Their CEO was bragging about how many SWEs they were hiring.

Quick question for HN: Would you rather work with 1000 mediocre SWEs or 10 really really good ones?

[rkomorn]

Doesn't that kind of confirm my point though?

VW's having to invest huge amounts of their revenue while Rivian's going around burning VC/investor cash without a care in the world for profitability.

[constantcrying]

>Doesn't that kind of confirm my point though?

I was just answering your question. VW clearly has the money and is willing to spend it.

>Rivian's going around burning VC/investor cash without a care in the world for profitability.

I believe that a huge part of the VW deal with Rivian was that they needed more money. Making cars is expensive and Rivian can not succeed on investments alone.