This business model came into vogue about a decade ago. It’s a means to easy money, and every industry seems to be seeking a piece of the action.
This is the kind of stuff that triggers Revolutions.
A subscription model makes sense in some cases where regular updates can be practical. A GPS software package, for example, can be updated periodically to provide new mapping, updated directories of businesses, etc. But a subscription service to maintain the functionality of HARDWARE like heated seats, AC, cruise control, etc. is idiotic.
Death by a thousand little fees.