This paper presents an overview of the challenges faced by engineers and companies in the automotive industry with regards to driver assist systems. Starting with an overview of different assist features made possible by the use of electronics in the last 30 years, the paper explores the most innovative systems that also account for characteristics of the environment surrounding the vehicle, such as objects in the vicinity, road characteristics, traffic signs, etc. and how connectivity is both an enabler and a source of concern for these features. In particular the relationship between safety and cyber security in the context of vehicle systems is discussed. New considerations on both subjects are required given that connectivity inside and outside the vehicle is becoming the norm and will have a great impact on future mobility services. Remotely controlled functions will be used as a case study to present a number of design drivers for these systems.