Hey, automakers: Enough with the upsells!
According to a new survey, most drivers are fed up with being asked to pay subscription fees for features such as heated seats or remote start that are already built into their cars.
Automakers argue that it’s about safety or innovation, but locking horsepower behind a $1,200 Mercedes paywall feels more like a shakedown.
This is a loud signal to brands like BMW, Ford, and GM. Are drivers done with the constant upsells, or could subscriptions still find a sweet spot? Here’s why consumers aren’t buying it, what automakers are missing, and how it shapes your next ride.
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Missed connections
For its 2025 State of Connected Car Apps report, Smartcar (no relation to to Mercedes-Benz-owned Smart
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