The Volkswagen company, recently in big trouble for engine control firmware that apparently subverted emissions testing, could make the choice to release the source code for that firmware.
* An obvious upside to the company would be the many-eyes factor looking for defects.
* They might be able to turn such a decision into a public-relations win, as part of a new commitment to transparency.
* There's a downside: inept or malicious hackers driving modded cars that spew pollutants.
* They may perceive an intellectual property downside.
What you you think, HN readers? Is this a good idea for VW? What would it take to convince them to do this?
