The shift towards a usership economy is indeed transforming the automotive industry, and both car subscription and in-car subscription models are gaining popularity. However, there are some differences between these two models that are important to understand.

What is Car Subscription?

Car subscription is a service that allows consumers to access a vehicle for a monthly fee without the need for long-term ownership or commitment. It typically includes all the associated costs of car ownership, such as insurance, maintenance, and repairs. Car subscription services can be provided by car manufacturers, dealerships, or third-party providers, and consumers can choose from a variety of vehicles depending on their needs.

What is In-Car Subscription?

In-car subscription, on the other hand, refers to the purchase of additional features or services that are already built into a vehicle. These could include things like satellite radio, navigation, or advanced safety features. In-car subscriptions are typically offered by car manufacturers as a way to generate additional revenue from existing customers.

While both car subscription and in-car subscription models offer flexibility and convenience, they are fundamentally different in terms of what they offer and how they are priced. Car subscriptions typically offer access to a vehicle as well as all associated costs for a monthly fee, while in-car subscriptions offer additional features or services for an additional cost on top of the base price of the vehicle.

As with any new technology or business model, there are likely to be some controversies and challenges as the automotive industry continues to shift towards a usership economy. However, these models offer consumers more flexibility and choice than ever before, and are likely to continue to grow in popularity in the coming years.

Why has in-car subscription become so controversial?

In-car subscription has become controversial because it represents a departure from the traditional way of purchasing and owning a car. In the past, when you bought a car, all the features and capabilities of the vehicle were included in the purchase price. With in-car subscriptions, some of the features are only available for an additional fee, even though they are already built into the car.

This model has drawn criticism from some consumers who feel that it is unfair to have to pay extra for features that are already in the car. They argue that this practice is a form of price gouging, and that it takes advantage of consumers who may not be aware of the additional costs. Additionally, some consumers are concerned about the potential for in-car subscription fees to add up over time, making the cost of owning and maintaining a car even higher than it already is.

However, supporters of in-car subscription argue that it offers greater flexibility and customization options for consumers. They argue that consumers can choose which features they want to pay for, rather than being forced to pay for everything whether they use it or not. Additionally, in-car subscriptions allow manufacturers to offer more advanced features and services that may not have been possible in the past, which can improve the driving experience and safety of the vehicle.

Ultimately, whether in-car subscription is seen as controversial or not will depend on the perspective of the individual consumer. For some, the additional cost may be worth it for the convenience and flexibility that in-car subscriptions offer, while others may prefer to stick with the traditional model of purchasing a car with all features included in the purchase price.