In a dispute over a repair law, Subaru and Kia crippled their own wireless features in Massachusetts. Maine could be next.
I mean, I think the only proper response to this is just a boycott or a straight ban on companies that do that in the states. It would let smaller companies slide in, or other competitors take over. Currently it’s a contest between the two companies and their customers, just don’t buy if they don’t have the features, companies will either revert the decision or pull out of the regions.
And when all the auto manufacturers are doing that? We all drive a Little Tikes coupe?
Not like we have much choice because they will all do it.
Capitalism always takes over, if there is potential to sell someone will step in. Used to have small car shops and stores all around, big companies came in and they all closed shop, it’ll go back to that most likely, although it’s more likely other competitors will take advantage of the situation and just move in instead. Especially if the situation expands to further states.
Your example makes the opposite of your point. How are small companies supposed to compete against the economy of scale? This is especially true in things that require a lot of manufacturing. There’s an insane amount of upfront capital necessary to even be able to come close to competing.
I’d hope the free market will move in and create competition. I am pessimistic though. I think anyone who tries will be shut down by buyouts/suppression.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a boycott actually work. We need to force them with regulation or other means.
In the States at least there are far too many dumb consumers for any meaningful boycott. I think we’ll have to rely on the EU to save us, as usual.
This is really sad. We should be organizing to save ourselves.
Which is why I’m going to keep buying older, “dumb” cars as long as a can. Not only do they not have this BS they are easier to work on. My oldest car is a 2012 Mazda3 (after my son totaled the 2007 Accord).
2003 Toyota. Using it till the wheels fall off.
I made a sizable dent with my trailer a few days ago and had a good laugh.
Don’t buy stupid cars. Problem solved.
You got it backwards.
Do buy stupid cars! Smart cars are the problem.
I would care about this if I could afford a car 😭 😭.
