An automotive data storage system disposed in a vehicle includes a packet network and at least one centralized storage device. The packet network includes multiple electronic subsystems that are configured to generate data during operation of the vehicle, the electronic subsystems being deployed at different locations in the vehicle and being indirectly coupled to one another via network links and one or more network switches. The centralized storage device is installed in the vehicle and coupled to the packet network, and is configured to receive from the electronic subsystems write commands for storing the data, over the packet network, in accordance with a network storage protocol, and to store the data in the centralized storage device.