Posted on 05/01/2026 2:03:37 AM PDT by dennisw
Popular Ford feature that has always been free now costs $455
Remember when buying a car meant paying once, grabbing the keys, and driving off into the sunset?
That era may be fading fast. Automakers are quietly transforming the way drivers pay for their vehicles - and your next car could come with a growing list of monthly charges long after you've left
General Motors is leading the charge, betting that subscriptions for features like navigation, safety systems, and hands-free driving will soon become a major profit engine - potentially generating billions of dollars a year and, in some cases, even more than selling the cars themselves.
GM says its software arm keeps about 70 cents of every dollar it makes - a staggering level of profitability in an industry where selling a car typically brings in just 4 to 10 cents on the dollar.
Instead of paying upfront for everything, drivers now get certain features included for a limited time - often just a few years - before being asked to pay monthly or annually to keep them.
In its latest earnings update on Tuesday, GM said it expects to generate $3.1 billion from digital subscriptions this year.
‘We think there’s a growth opportunity there with very attractive margins,’ CEO Mary Barra told investors.
GM already has around 13 million subscribers paying for various in-car services, and that number is expected to climb rapidly as more vehicles come equipped with built-in technology.
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“See, there you go into evil accusations.”
You started by trying to insult my intelligence, ya sperm burping gutter slut. You are really are stupid for attacking someone then claiming attacks are low life.
Stops halfway thru. I now just turn fsd off for that turn and turn it back on when I’ve completed the turn. 2 clicks on the stearing wheel.
I really like it. FWI my first car was a 74 camaro in 78, and I’ve owned an original 300zx 240/260/280/300 body style. a 96 vette with the 6 speed manual, accura legend 5 spd , dodge durango, ford f150 king tanch and a ford explorer, among others. Just had tires rotated, get the tire insurance, one of mine had picked up a screw and they replaced it. I use the FSD for 83% of all miles driven.
I usually use it unless theres a school zone, cars pulled over ahead, construction zone or when parking, it doesn’t know I have a handicap permit.
Great sound system, I listen to music instead of drive.
Thanks. It’s for my wife. Seems like everyone we talk to that has one likes it.
Fewer accidents will also make the roads faster.
I’d expect vehicles to start talking to each other. This will enable them to drive closer together at higher speeds. Faster merges.
On the other hand, self driving cars enable the driver to do other things during driving time, increasing the number of cars are on the road. Faster transit will also increase the number of cars.
You know your lack of maturity and gutter language only reflects on you, right?
People form their opinions of you based on what you say...not based on what others say about you.
You are condemned by what comes out of your own filthy mouth.
Everyone who reads your comments knows what you say defines you.
You are just admitting your own sins. You have told us that you are a "queer"...wasn't that what you said?
Tell us more.
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