OON7
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- Evan
- Joined
- Jul 29, 2021
- Threads
- 11
- Messages
- 383
- Reaction score
- 491
- Location
- Ohio
- Vehicles
- Current: 22 GTPE DMG // Previous: 21 Select CG
I think the people who dislike this idea (like myself) fear the proverbial slippery slope where this takes us.
Generally speaking, I dislike the notion of software disabling hardware that is already on the vehicle. I understand that:
a) technically it may be cheaper to make all cars the same because the physical hardware costs next to nothing to purchase whereas having allowing it to be configured creates a more expensive production line, and
b) tempting people with previewing a feature may cause them to spend more money than they otherwise would.
Add those together, and it means more money for the manufacturer.
To me this is even more blatantly "wrong" if the hardware in question serves no other purpose. e.g. If the subscription is not purchased then the hardware does nothing. It create e-waste and is just a bad precedence. I'd rather they just split the difference and included it everywhere and spread the cost around.
Ultimately: If the cost of the hardware is so inconsequential then just include it turned-on for everybody. Don't present this as a choice between "not there at all" and "only there for a subscription." A third choice exists: everybody gets to use it. Let's always advocate for the best choice for the consumer.
The only place subscriptions make sense to me on a car is if it is to provide ongoing services that perpetually cost the manufacturer money (e.g. providing internet connectivity or keeping maps up to date).
I will never spend money on a subscription for something like heated seats, a camera, etc. It's ludicrous and I hope enough people agree that it provides no value to the companies that try it.
I mostly agree with what you are saying, and I do agree this is a slippery slope. It is hard to trust Ford or any other manufacturer to do the right thing and not abuse this setup.
However, in the context of getting an option to use something that was never provided a chance to do before, or be given an upgrade path that would have never been an option, then I am intrigued by the opportunities it provides. One of the very few things I disliked about my Select was not truly understanding some of the extra features I missed out on by getting the 21 which had the option for comfort/appearance or comfort/technology. Mine came with the comfort/appearance and no extra cameras or bluecruise. I don't know if I'd pay for it or not, but it would have been nice to have a choice.
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