CARS have DLC now??

Sasquach

Sasquach

Hidden in plain sight
HAha i thought this was funny:

https://www.thedrive.com/news/44967...jHmZWkkgrVWXrddBQi5ExPWdFgdgcahtkZylFVrjPITWU

Usually you would see 2 different types of switchgear to differentiate basic vs advanced functionality, in this case of the AUDI Dual auto HVAC vs single zone regular HVAC.

But instead of having the basic switchgear, it looks like in this market they just kept the advanced switchgear and disabled the functionality of certain things so pushing a non-functional button displayed a "function not purchased" message on the info screen lol.
 
At least you pay once for that. But they started doing subscription stuff a while ago:

https://www.thedrive.com/news/43329/toyota-made-its-key-fob-remote-start-into-a-subscription-service
Remember when BMW wanted to charge drivers to use Apple CarPlay? How about the subscription required for the Mercedes EQS's rear-wheel steering functionality in Europe? It turns out that luxury marques aren't the only ones looking to cash in on that sweet, sweet software as a service cash: Toyota has been testing the waters by making the remote start functionality on your proximity key fob part of a larger connected services subscription.
 
I think subscription service on an auto would spur me to only purchase older used vehicles. I already find dealerships to be completely disgusting and unethical in the worst ways. This would only exacerbate that.
 
I don't see a big deal about this. It's not a subscription service, it's just he didn't add that option to the vehicle. Rather than have a blank button, he has the button and it tells him he didn't pay for that service.

Pretty disrespectful :lol: I'd rather just have the false button, or just blank entirely.
 
Nunz said:
I don't see a big deal about this. It's not a subscription service, it's just he didn't add that option to the vehicle. Rather than have a blank button, he has the button and it tells him he didn't pay for that service.

Pretty disrespectful :lol: I'd rather just have the false button, or just blank entirely.
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I think what Sasquatch posted is actually a good idea on Audi’s part. If the customer wants the functionality they simply need to purchase it as opposed to having to pay for the parts to be installed. That’s a win as far as I’m concerned.

The subscription model that’s been mentioned, like Toyota wanting customers to pay for remote start on a monthly or annual basis is a strict no go for me. If I buy a car and and something is functional on day one of purchase, it needs to stay that way without having to pay more later to get it back.

Unless it’s a Wi-Fi service that is. That would be tied to a provider I think, so would make more sense. Remote start though?? nah.
 
Lazy8s said:
I think what Sasquatch posted is actually a good idea on Audi’s part. If the customer wants the functionality they simply need to purchase it as opposed to having to pay for the parts to be installed. That’s a win as far as I’m concerned.

The subscription model that’s been mentioned, like Toyota wanting customers to pay for remote start on a monthly or annual basis is a strict no go for me. If I buy a car and and something is functional on day one of purchase, it needs to stay that way without having to pay more later to get it back.

Unless it’s a Wi-Fi service that is. That would be tied to a provider I think, so would make more sense. Remote start though?? nah.
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Oh it definately makes sense. Especially if things are integrated pretty tightly with the screen. Saves having to have a completely different HVAC/knob system and screen and wiring harness to do the same thing but without the functionality.

Just seeing the article made me think of DLC and i wasnt exactly expecting something similar to happen in a car.

Car subscription services...ugh i think its a stupid idea lol.
 
Lazy8s said:
I think what Sasquatch posted is actually a good idea on Audi’s part. If the customer wants the functionality they simply need to purchase it as opposed to having to pay for the parts to be installed. That’s a win as far as I’m concerned.
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Well, the argument about premium models costing more is that the materials cost more, so obviously you need to pay for those things. If the costs of the two models are identical... the only thing that changes is whether they can convince the customer to pay more or not. That's obnoxious.

Now, if it's a button that has nothing to control because you bought a lesser model, that's different. Something like an "open moonroof" button but there's no moonroof to open. That's less objectionable.


The subscription model that’s been mentioned, like Toyota wanting customers to pay for remote start on a monthly or annual basis is a strict no go for me.
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Subaru does the same thing. I turned them down. It may be a trivial charge... but if it's trivial, don't charge it and consider this feature a perk of choosing your vehicle. Jack up the cost of the vehicle slightly to collect the money up front if you must. The idea that I have to pay to use a vehicle I own outright infuriates me so instead, I pretend that feature doesn't even exist.
 
koralis said:
Well, the argument about premium models costing more is that the materials cost more, so obviously you need to pay for those things. If the costs of the two models are identical... the only thing that changes is whether they can convince the customer to pay more or not. That's obnoxious.

Now, if it's a button that has nothing to control because you bought a lesser model, that's different. Something like an "open moonroof" button but there's no moonroof to open. That's less objectionable.




Subaru does the same thing. I turned them down. It may be a trivial charge... but if it's trivial, don't charge it and consider this feature a perk of choosing your vehicle. Jack up the cost of the vehicle slightly to collect the money up front if you must. The idea that I have to pay to use a vehicle I own outright infuriates me so instead, I pretend that feature doesn't even exist.
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They’re jacking up prices across the board anyway regardless of model or trim package. In an almost no win situation for a majority of buyers, at least make enabling options down the road cheaper.

“Obnoxious” is a good word choice :up:
 
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