Notes ·
I Bought a Car, Not a Subscription
In GM Is Quietly Becoming a Subscriptions Company, Slashdot highlights Ben Shimkus’s reporting on GM’s growing software and services business.
“Subscriptions are increasingly important to automakers.”
GM says its software business keeps roughly 70 cents from every dollar of revenue, compared with only four to ten cents from vehicle sales. OnStar brought in approximately $800 million during the second quarter, and GM expects to have nearly 13 million subscribers by the end of 2026.
When I purchased my last car, the dealer pushed several subscriptions. I should not have to pay every year for the ability to remotely unlock a vehicle I already purchased.
I understand charging for services that require substantial ongoing infrastructure. But automakers increasingly bundle features temporarily and then place an expiration date on them. GM currently includes remote commands with many 2025 and newer vehicles for eight years, after which owners may need to choose a paid plan.
That does not feel like ownership. It feels like an extended trial period.
I just want to buy a vehicle, own its features, and keep using it without another company looking for a recurring charge. Unfortunately, that appears to be where the automotive industry is headed, and it sucks for those of us who simply want to own what we purchase.