Lots of ideas are patented, especially by large companies. Some ideas are pursued by the company themselves, while others sit in the patent war chest to (maybe) generate passive income and help with future litigation. Very occasionally they are used for prevention.
Regardless, such a system would be a reason for many people to avoid buying a particular car or brand of car.
A supply chain attack of some kind. Perhaps the app was distributed via a private store app where the french authorities had some leverage. I wonder if we'll find out.