You may not know it, but this rule has just killed the existing 718 in its Boxster and Cayman versions. And what the hell does this regulation say, well basically and in a headline: the Regulation No. 155 of the UN (UN R15) is a measure to improve the cyber security of motor vehicles and protect users against possible risks related to cybersecurity. Its application has a significant impact on all automobile manufacturers (although let's use Porsche as an example) who must adapt to the new requirements and standards established to guarantee the conformity and safety of their vehicles.
And yes, returning to the Porsche topic, this regulation causes the 718, which were pending to be electrified soon, to cease production ahead of time due to the cybersecurity applications that Porsche has to apply in the coming months. Let's review this regulation to see how it affects us as users.
Key points about the UN R15 regulation
- Vehicle cybersecurity: Regulation No. 155 establishes specific requirements to ensure that vehicles are protected against possible cyber attacks. This involves implementing robust security measures to prevent unauthorized access to the car's electronic systems, such as the brake system, steering system, engine control unit, among others.
- Norms and technical standards: The regulation defines technical norms and standards that manufacturers must follow to ensure the cybersecurity of their vehicles. This includes implementing secure communication protocols, using data encryption, and incorporating intrusion detection systems.
- User data protection: In addition to the safety of the vehicle itself, Regulation No. 155 is also concerned with the protection of user data. Manufacturers must ensure that personal and sensitive information collected by car electronic systems is properly protected from unauthorized access.
- Certification and compliance: Car manufacturers must test their vehicles in accordance with the requirements set out in the regulation. This involves obtaining certifications that demonstrate that vehicles meet cybersecurity standards defined by the UN.
- International collaboration: Since Regulation No. 155 is a UN initiative, its implementation encourages international collaboration on cybersecurity applied to our cars. This means that car manufacturers must meet the same standards regardless of the country in which they operate, helping to improve safety globally.
The Porsche case
Or how it affects the rest of the manufacturers…
The case of Porsche and the early cancellation of models such as the Macan and now the 718 Boxster and Cayman in Europe reflects the challenges that car manufacturers face in complying with the new regulations.
This situation raises questions about the future of the iconic German brand and its adaptation to emerging trends in the automotive industry; or what is the same: what models will continue to be combustion and which one is it electrified. As the deadline for compliance with the UN Regulation No. 155Porsche has been forced to rethink your approach in vehicle development and to consider viable alternatives to maintain its position in the market.
The fact that Porsche is exploring interesting avenues in its transition towards electrification is not without challenges, as it involves significant investments in research and development, as well as the reconfiguration of the entire supply chain. Furthermore, the decision of suspend production of internal combustion engine models raises questions about the impact on global markets, especially in regions where electric charging infrastructure is not yet fully developed and demand for electric vehicles is relatively low. Even more so, when talking about Porsche we are talking about models like the Taycan that belong to a fairly premium electric segment.
Ultimately, the challenge for Porsche and other manufacturers automotive lies in finding solutions that not only comply with cybersecurity regulations, but also meet customer needs and expectations. The future of the automotive industry is marked by technological innovation and adaptation to a constantly evolving regulatory landscape, and this will be our daily bread: regulated technology, electrification and small glimpses of combustion engines for the enjoyment of an immense minority. .
