[Pontiac]

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.

I might be wrong, but I thought Toyota was the first to do this do this, maybe with heated seats?

[dennisw]

“I might be wrong, but I thought Toyota was the first to do this do this, maybe with heated seats?”

BMW was famously first in 2022 with the heated seats you need a subscription for. BUT >>>>>>

What happened after
The backlash was intense, with customers feeling like they were “paying twice.”
BMW killed the heated-seat subscription by 2023.
They later admitted it was basically a mistake.

[EVO X]

I might be wrong, but I thought Toyota was the first to do this do this, maybe with heated seats?

BMW tried charging for heated seats in Europe and elsewhere, but not in the US. They gave up on the plan after customer outrage in 2023.

[SPDSHDW]

Toyota is not stupid enough to do that.

BMW however, tried this. And got absolutely destroyed over it.

[T.B. Yoits]

Toyota has monthly subscriptions for their remote start.

It's one thing if it's through a cellular application instead of just directly using a fob and there's something to be said for diagnostics that won't allow the vehicle to start, or will shut it off, if something's wrong such as the car is low on oil.