Rent everything! Don’t own anything.

Just glanced at this article. For BMW roll out of subscription services. Heated steering wheel and seats will cost you $30 per month.

https://www.theverge.com/2022/7/12/23204950/bmw-subscriptions-microtransactions-heated-seats-feature

I came across something before the pandemic , Maybe WEF meeting video? Can’t remember source but the move was to carry out the micro transactions for everything and push for people to basically lease all products. I thought it was a little far fetched at the time. But since then I’ve read of Apple moving that way, cars moving that way, and large real estate conglomerates purchasing SIngle Family homes for the same reason. Of course I can’t deny real estate has been a good investment. But man is there really gonna be anything left for my kids to own outright - free and clear?

 

I just checked but a few years ago Rivian was planning to offer a subscription service for their vehicles. Like a lease, but no option If buying it out. Just pay the monthly subscription charge for the whole vehicle and Re-up like a iPhone . I don’t see that on their site anymore.

 

To be fair, we all rent the houses we supposedly own from the government anyway. Don't believe me? Try not paying your property taxes for a while and see what happens.

But yeah, is it any surprise to see companies move this direction? If you sell a product, you only get the sale one time. If you lease it, then it's continuous cash flow. Sucks, and I don't like it either.

 

So, if you decide you don't want to subscribe to heated seats anymore, do they take out all that wiring and modules? If it's not mine, I don't want it in my car. Every pound is precious for maximum MPGs.

 

Black market hackers will be a premium

 

Subscription models work great - until economies tank, people revolt and refuse to pay and create their own hacks to get what you were charging them for free.

Want proof - check out Netflix stock performance and subscription base. A little competition can’t take down a company this big they said - who cares if Disney+, Hulu and HBO plus are all doing ad supported or partnerships with cell carriers to put their product in a customers hands “free”.

As to Toyota Subscription Services - at least I’m getting something I don’t expect to be free for that $8 a month (SOS service) - if I want “keyless entry/remote start” I’ll buy it once and have it for as long as I maintain the battery on my fob. I want GPS - as long as I maintain a data plan on my phone or by a portable GPS I’ve got it.

The hope is always we move to subscription based cars - like a Lime scooter you just pay for what you need and leave it when your done. And exactly like a a Lime scooter your going to find a ton of graffitied up cars side of the road in the ‘hood - there will never be one whrrr you want it and your going to look like a complete douche driving one.

Seriously / have you seen the way some people keep their cars ?!? You really think I want to drive one of those things after the person who left all their trash in it before me? I hate RENTING cars - and they vacuum and febreze between uses. The subscription model has none of that - just regular inspections (every few months).

Ever get a mobility scooter at Walmart / you feel lucky to find one only to get on - go 7 feet and it runs out of juice because the last person drained it and they just started charging…that’s going to be your next EV rental shortly.

 

We will see about that. I know my way around a wiring diagram

 

Since the automobile is turning into a giant phone with wheels anyway, how long before we see cars no longer performing as well / losing features and functions due to not having the latest software version?

Or worse... God forbid anyone drive and Android OS car! That sumbitch will just swerve into the trees unexpectedly after a software "update"!

 

Still better than trying to use Apple Maps...

 

My truck was the very first new vehicle I bought. If this is the way it’s going to be, might be my last, too.

 

I already want to “copy” it. Pay the fee for one month, record the data line transmission to enable the feature. Boom unlimited unlocked access.

People will make thousands selling one time permanent unlock codes to get around manufacturers subscription system.

Literally they are just opening up the door/creating a whole new market of third party “fixes”

 

That’s funny as shit.

 

I think they are pushing ideas people can’t afford and that will backfire in the long run. Can’t use tech no one buys…rents?

I’m happy with my 17 Tundra that I have to turn the headlights on and old enough that I’m not looking to replace it.

 

I thought this was just a trial for South Korea only, though I'm sure it will spread if it makes money.

I'm not as outraged as I probably should be since most new car salesmen just focus on the monthly payment already anyway.