I have never used any of the “subscription features” beyond the free period. The market will push back against this money grab. Ford and BMW need to realize they are competing against BYD and other Chinese brands that will offer the same (or better) services for free, even if they take a loos in the short term, to put them out of business.
Initially you would think that, but think about the technology industry, software was sold as packages at one time, you buy it you own it.
Then Microsoft changed the game, instead of selling software, they sold subscription or licenses to use software and made Bill Gates and many others insanely rich.
Maybe carmakers will change to a model where they sell cars at cost or break even and then make their money selling subscriptions off of different features.
I believe in the next 5-10 years maybe longer, the biggest feature of new cars will be Full Self Driving (FSD), it will make driving a car significantly safer than today. If manufacturers like Tesla are successful with FSD and selling it as a subscription with future enhancements as part of the license, then you will see other major manufacturers switch to this type of model.
I bought a BMW about 14 months ago. It came with 4 year subscription for the navigation map and roadside assistance. It has an option for traffic light cameras and some sort of video playback. Of course the SiriusXM subscription is separate. When my 1 year free trial was up, I renewed it for for about $6 a month. If it costs more next time, I may go without.
Very true. I just came back from a trip to Mexico. It’s crazy all the different car brands and models available and common in Mexico that are not available to the US. Many of them are BYD, GWM, and other Chinese brands. I converted the msrp price on a billboard for a GWM new SUV and it came out to 22k dollars.
It’s very interesting to see the difference. In Mexico you can buy brand new Nissan work trucks with a manual transmission and long beds with lashing hooks integrated into the bed rails. It’s like they still make vehicles for working people in Mexico....oh wait ...
I have newer owned a Ford product & particularly a new one. If something like a “forced subscription” were added on, I would immediately tell the dealer what he could do with it & walk out. They can’t be allowed to get awawith th that, especially if it is for something need to actually operate the vehicle. Is it just Ford practicing this?