GM Makes More 'Options' Mandatory Subscriptions

[@ficklefingeroffate]

All GM is doing is guaranteeing that car buyers, such as myself, will never consider any kind of GM product ever again.

[@nfcapps]

This is not the answer. The idea that "it doesn't affect me so I don't need to worry about it," is conciliatory and we keep losing ground. IF IT'S WRONG, IT'S WRONG! Period! And we should fight it at every turn!

[@emmjea6913]

@@nfcapps and we are fighting it the way capitalist countries fight stuff, through boycott. Vote with your wallet, if GM loses even a cent over not making stuff a subscription they will switch back.

[@ficklefingeroffate]

@@nfcapps Yes, the answer is to not purchase GM product. If GM sees their sales decrease as a result of this stupid pronouncement they will reverse their decision.

[@bobdevreeze4741]

It can rust on the lot. I have a 2018 that has a backup cam.. That's already too much technology. I have driven for 50 years... without assistance. I did just fine.

[@Bahlzeron]

@@nfcapps the OP IS saying that it DOES effect them, due to which they will not buy GM. Work on your reading comprehension (that's your abilty to understand what you are reading).

[@kathyhallock2528]

If a company is going to force me to buy something I don't want, guess what I'm not going to buy from that company! This definitely tells you that corporations are running this world now when you're not given the option to buy something! I hope this backfires in their face!

[@Cynsham]

This isn't the only reason you shouldn't buy from GM, their quality control is pretty much nonexistant anymore.

[@UncleKennysPlace]

"Corporations are running this world" ... is funny. You have the option to buy, or not buy. The gov't, on the other hand ...

[@swisstroll3]

I come from a family that always bought GM. My first few cars were Chevys, later Saturns. But since the bankruptcy, I have never even considered any Government Motors product. Now, I don’t even know the names of any GM models.

[@brendancrazy1]

@@UncleKennysPlace corporate lobbyists control the government. It’s a death spiral for all of us peasants involved.

[@boggy7665]

For me, it'll be the 'out the door' price, not the headline-ad price. My folks also were GM people, but the years of expensive problems at low mileages, including a GM/Olds Diesel leaving them stranded midway on a road trip, finally soured mom (dad was gone by that time) & she went Honda. I used her GM bucks on a 2017 Cruze. Liked the features of the Cruze. Didn't like having to pay $1000 to repair the clutch at only 20,000 miles.

[@MichaelLloydMobile]

This will definitely enhance GM's customer experience. My experience with being forced to purchase a subscription for a vehicle, would be to never purchase from that company again.

[@claudiodiaz9752]

That won't matter if it normalizes and all manufacturers do it.

[@ThereIsNoOtherHandleLikeMine]

You bought a phone, knowing that the subscription is mandatory. This is no different.

[@MichaelLloydMobile]

@@ThereIsNoOtherHandleLikeMine Very different. When I buy a phone, I buy it outright, not with a service. This enables me to use a service from a different company, saving money and providing other benefits. How does an OEM car manufacturer enable car buyers to use a service from a different company??? Not the same thing.

[@jasonriddell]

@@MichaelLloydMobile provider SIM LOCK IN was a big cell phone game plan IMHO it is exactly the same buy phone from service provider and HAVE THE phone locked to the provider and have to PAY the provider AND HOPE they will unlock it for you (pre lawsuit AT@T comes to mind)

[@claudiodiaz9752]

@@jasonriddell Connectivity services are required for the basic functionality of a phone. Not for a car, unless they artificially force it in order for you to be able to use your car. Either way, 2 wrongs don't make a right. Just because you can find examples of a similar systems working on other fields, it doesn't mean you need to emulate and make it worse for customers over the board.

[@BorkToThe3rd]

If GM bothers to take notice: This is an automatic "No". I will never consider for a second any vehicle that is tied to a subscription. (It does make the decision of what to buy easier when a manufacturer removes themselves from the pool of acceptable products!)

[@jerseyjim9092]

Eventually, you be walking because they'll all be doing it before long.

[@xsleep1]

"Everything can be done by a smart phone" Which is exactly why they are making it mandatory. No one is opting to pay for OnStar when they carry the same capabilities in their pocket.

[@dominikdobrotic8298]

News media: "We have a global chip shortage!" Car manufacturers: "Let's put even more chips in our cars!"

[@austinbevis4266]

More chips with the sole intention of pushing a subscription service nonetheless

[@jasonriddell]

@@austinbevis4266BMW heated seats with subscription "enters chat"

[@austinbevis4266]

@@jasonriddell lmao those shouldn’t require a chip. It should be a switch, some wires, and heating elements

[@sawdeanz]

What happens when they can’t get the onstar chips but still charge a subscription?

[@TacDyne]

There is no chip shortage. What happened was bitcoins were all mined out, so video card manufacturers faked a shortage to keep prices criminally high. Auto manufacturers decided to follow suit. pedo joe is Carter MKII. Look up all the fake shortages that happened in the late '70s with Carter, all to justify the hyperinflation going on.

[@retireditguy9493]

Congratulations Mary Barra. You will probably go down in history as the GM CEO that made the worst policy and design decisions in the history of GM. I have purchased 13 new GM vehicles so far, but you have managed to end my loyalty. I recently purchased a Dodge Ram.

[@concreteheat7629]

Must have been one hell of bad experience for you to buy from one of your sworn enemies. You’ll be in a Ford next. Don’t worry when you get in that Ford it will just feel right.

[@RogerAlan]

That thing got a hemi?

[@xijinpingsfavoritehemorrho1328]

@@concreteheat7629 can't speak for anyone else but I've driven 3 new f150s and they for sure don't feel right as a truck. This is gms worst move since the cimarron though

[@peterrivney552]

I agree with you but sorry to say that I would never buy a Dodge product ever again I had 3 of then still own one and they are just plain junk poor quality all the way through and cutting corners the one I have now I had to replace the rear end gears and the car is driven on road never off road the spider gears overheated and it was not from a lack of oil I do regular maintenance on the cars monthly and check lights weekly...

[@RogerAlan]

@@peterrivney552 Well I’ve put 40k miles on mine, do multiple burnouts per week, and have had zero problems. Maybe I just got a good one 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@Timbrock1000]

I LOVE GMs excuse for this: "To enhance customers ownership experience...". As if they want to ensure buyers are even more satisfied with their car. Here's what I see happening: OnStar subscriptions will be mandatory to do other things, such as operate the windows, the radio, or to start the engine. (You know, so you can drive it?). Then, "surprise", OnStar subscriptions are made mandatory not for 3 years, but perpetually, for as long as you have the car, you will have to pay a monthly fee. Oh, and the next owner will have to pay a monthly fee too.

[@afriedrich1452]

Well, paying a monthly fee on what I own certainly does enhance my "ownership" experience.

[@jonathanwhite3507]

you car comes equipped with heated seats, those are 55 dollars a month. powered windows? 65 a month. oh and you have no choice you have to pay these. yeah, subscription based features are gonna kill their business.

[@herculesbrofister265]

If they want to enhance experience, they should make them higher quality and more reliable.

[@smw2234]

If it is possible to hack and hijack a smart house what would it take for OnStar to shut your car off for any reason

[@AngstG]

the definition of 'rent-seeking behavior'! If I were foolish enough to purchase a car under these conditions - I'd just rip out the subscription-based components and replace them with something more manual or universal - basically 'hack' my OWN vehicle that I purchased. I can easily see an entire 'vehicle hacking industry' develop to circumvent these rediculous 'subscriptions'...

[@yatta99]

Buying a car that comes with mandatory monthly subscriptions sounds a whole lot like buying a house in an HOA and all its bad monthly stuff. Just Say NO!

[@madmaximilian5783]

I let my GM OnStar subscription expire, but they did send mail trying to get me to re subscribe. I'm so glad I had an option though.

[@foxymetroid]

With HOAs, it's often not a choice of HOA or no HOA, but HOA or no house.

[@natehill8069]

@@foxymetroidWell, its HOA or buy a house somewhere else. And that is one of my primary house-buying requirements, no HOA.

[@emtffwentz87]

Steve, Not sure if anyone has brought up current vehicle OnStar capabilities but in addition to the old stuff OnStar now has the capability of offering the vehicle owner in app vehicle health reports, worldwide remote start via the app, vehicle data information ie tire pressure, live warranty status, if you vehicle needs an oil change, if you have a MIL on and easy access to scheduling service and repair. I am not necessarily defending this decision by GM but it is a service that requires infrastructure maintence and updates. To a point as long as it’s not a add on and is included in the MSRP I am less up set to this then adding infrastructure maintence to a vehicle so you can disable key fob or heated seats. Love your videos!!!

[@jasonpatterson8091]

Well, we are looking for a new car and eliminating an entire manufacturer makes that choice easier.

[@leepiper4621]

Sadly, they are all starting to do this. Corps always finding ways to separate u from ur money💸💸💸

[@alskooper3319]

All new cars are a money pit. Buy a 20 year old Toyota, fix whatever needs attention and take care of the vehicle.

[@nicholasvinen]

If you eliminate the manufacturers that make unreliable junk you're only left with a handful anyway.

[@travelsouthafrica5048]

@@alskooper3319 Toyota D4D pick up , I see no point in ever buying anything else ever again , although I wish they sold the Tacoma here

[@BeardMan01]

Steve, as a GM master technician, I can assure you this is not about onstar subscribers. This is about the telematics and information gathering on the back end. In 2006 Chrysler started development of a new OBD protocol. What is happening is, they are paying attention to your driving habits and behaviors. I have seen several warranties void because the owner has redlined the vehicle too many times. When I bought my Silverado, they were highly confused by my selection of options. They kept trying to convince me to buy an LS model, because it has more options and can be had for less money. 5 years and 55k miles into my truck's life, the only thing that has ever gone wrong with it is a ground wire broke on the power steering unit. It was fixed in 30 minutes at the dealership for free.

[@MonkeyJedi99]

I'm sure they save a little bit on warranty claims with all of that information gathering, but the REAL product is the information, and how any ways they can sell it.

[@jasonriddell]

GM is/was "exploring" having ads pop up on your "infotainment system" based on your current location IE shell gas bar is up the street see ads for SHELL GAS

[@Spookshow1000]

Redlined the vehicle to much? Wut? I 🤔 that was the purpose of the redline meaning it's safe to operate under it.

[@BeardMan01]

@@Spookshow1000 It shows evidence of abuse

[@peteparadis1619]

@@BeardMan01 Over the redline is abuse, not below

[@tiredoldmechanic1791]

This reminds me that after Cadillac stopped building vehicles with a manual shift transmission, they still had an additional charge for an automatic transmission. The "base" model was not available and Cadillac had to include the automatic transmission in the base price.

[@fcterryb]

Back before unleaded gas was mandatory it was cheaper because they did not have to add lead "the distillation of oil to make fuel removes all contaminates" once unleaded fuel was required the price went up because they had to "remove the lead" that was never in it.

[@rupe53]

@@fcterryb ... not true. Most everything in gasoline is an additive, except the distilled fuel itself, so they needed to change the additive package to increase the octane with something besides lead. Lead was cheaper than the new additives, which is why the price went up over 40 years ago.

[@Moosetick2002]

Or when phone companies charged extra for touch tone when it actually cost them more for you to use rotary dial. I refused to pay and they ended up giving it away for free.

[@rupe53]

@@Moosetick2002 ... just so ya know, the extra charge was not for touch-tone itself, it was for the added features you could get with a touch-tone phone, such as call waiting and call forwarding... and eventually caller ID plus E-911 for emergencies. BTW, most phone systems are still backward compatible with rotary dial.

[@natehill8069]

@@Moosetick2002Yup, did the same thing. Had an electronic phone that dialed pulse and once I dialed I could hear in the background the phone company generating the touchtones because the switchboard only used tones.

[@arthurwilton958]

This sort of mandatory bundling should be (and perhaps already is) illegal. Some forms of vertical integration were outlawed by the Clayton Antitrust Act of 1914.

[@OlivierCaron]

Hey, it's for your own good! They know what's good for you and they offer the convenience of "easy payments" too!

[@cd5433]

Hey Steve I'm the one who posted the dog video on Facebook and tagged you . Great video. 👍 and tons of ubers use that maps option that tells you outloud when to turn. Your right about onstar almost being obsolete in the age of smartphones. They probably just want more people signing up for a GPS in their care incase they don't pay the Pyments 🤣

[@paul.van.santvoord1232]

Steve we are both getting old people. I remember driving with a book that had all major citys in it. I always got to my destination.

[@johngalt5411]

This can be stopped very simply; don't buy any GM product that requires it. Something similar happened in the video game industry about a decade ago. Gamers balked and it ended there.

[@michaelryan3818]

Overwatch 2 is about to make the mistake too. They're actively polling users to see what prices we'll pay for things that were already included, like loot boxes and skins. Microtransactions are killing games.

[@greyfox78569]

As a gamer I can tell it didn't end there. It opened the door up to developers that didn't do it, (which is where I went) but it did not go away in fact it got much, much worse. New big video game series are now a new opium so once someone is hooked to a game series (those games that come out yearly but are literally the same game) it's almost impossible for them to switch to another game, and the game makers know it. GM was hoping to do the same thing with OnStar.

[@opetyr]

Not fully true. You are talking about the Horse Armor Balk. Now there is DLC for almost every single game out there. There are microtransactions and people still buy the games. THe only thing that can be done is not buy a GM product. The issue is that they will keep doing this and after a time people will accept it or find another vehicle. Those will be the two options unless the government interferes and tells them if you want to make more money then make a better vehicle.

[@robertball3578]

I have used OnStar for things my phone couldn't do, like make a phone call from a rural area where no one's phone had a signal but the higher power and better antenna allowed OnStar to connect. The other time was a Check Engine light at 10 PM as I started home, 22 mile trip with no services at night. Called OnStar, they ran a scan, said the only problem appeared to be gas cap. I checked, it was loose, then realized I had less gas than when I parked; someone stole gas after dark and didn't screw the cap tight. Wife used the One Touch button to call when she observed an accident, didn't want to leave her vehicle since she had our baby grandson with her.

[@robertball3578]

First GM tells me that they won't repair 3.6L V6 with defective engine block (porosity in the block), which was an issue 2009-2021 for all GM brands, now this foolishness. I switched to GM in 1985 when we sold our Volvo wagon and got an Oldsmobile wagon (family was growing). Looks like time to look at Volvo again since a new engine for our GMC Acadia is $10,200, book value is $8,800. GM offered to pay 10% of the $10k, not including the $385 diagnostic charge.

[@chrisfleming701]

The best part is they are tracking you with this mandatory “service” and probably selling the data.

[@johnme7049]

@Chris Fleming No probably to it. This is a definite.

[@johnvanderploeg6707]

My thoughts are it will be more like: Your vehicle: Sorry sir, but your social credit points are low enough that you cannot travel. OnStar has been ordered to disable this vehicle.

[@joeamith838]

@@johnvanderploeg6707 ...or you miss a car payment and they shut off your vehicle until you pay!

[@jimcollins8097]

I read that by 2025 gm admitted they would make more money selling our data than they make selling the car.

[@chrisfleming701]

@@joeamith838 they've been able to do that for over a decade and have been on used vehicles. It's something that remotely disables the starter.

[@mattirealm]

As always Steve, much appreciated! It is so lovely that companies want to "enhance" our lives and give us what we really want /s. Seriously?!!! WTF?! Did GM and everybody else take a decade old page from videogame makers and this whole idea of "paywall" just to.........................screw people over? Or did they really think Gordon Gecko was serious and not being sarcastic when he said "Greed is good." Not only are vehicle very very expensive, but in 10 years you will have to pay the cost of the car PLUS a subscription fee for normal items. Utterly disgusted.......

[@wrthrash]

When I bought my new silverado in 2018 I had 3 whole months of free "NonStar" which was a separate cell phone number, voice guided navigation, lock-out assist and collision detection, THAT'S IT. So as Steve stated, my cell phone does most of that. NonStar also tracks your every mile, whether you subscribe or not, and you can use 911 even if you don't subscribe. I'm guessing GM owns NonStar, and since no one is subbing they have to figure a way to depreciate that investment. It will be fun to go in and refuse a brand new $70K vehicle because they won't option-out NonStar. As stated, GM being GM, like my '09 Corvette coming with CD & not having USB!

[@hunterjones9822]

I've got a 50 year old Japanese car, it has no Internet, Bluetooth, CarPlay, GPS, Maps, Onstar, etc. And for 50 years that car has started up and drove just fine....

[@jayjaynella4539]

It has lasted that long because it has no self destruction software built into the electronic modules.

[@Craig-wp3pz]

Just a reminder, GM ownership is an option, scalp customers and they will go to any rivals that promises NOT to do that

[@MsGenXodus]

Car ownership is an option. A lot of young people are just skipping owning cars completely. I don't blame them, either.

[@RedMatthew]

@@MsGenXodus it's just 1 more freedom given up right?

[@EvilSanta482]

@@MsGenXodus Only if you live in a city pal. If you are even remotely rural then a car is a must.

[@Mark_87]

@@MsGenXodus that's easy for some. It would take me like 2 hours to bus to work

[@M.A.T.T.A.L.I.A.N.O]

Unfortunately, I think once one company does it, the others are going to follow.

[@123lodge8]

On star will also track your cars every location. That info can then be sold and even provided to law enforcement. Have fun with that.

[@SamBrickell]

Where's the money that American taxpayers were already forced to pay GM with???

[@KarenDian1]

I'm beginning to think, the continually price gouged consumer, whether it be the government, manufacturers, mandatory subscription requirements, are so tired of these so called technological advancement bells and whistles, they are beginning to yearn for back to basics. Old cars are making a huge comeback for a good reason!

[@arlo4051]

When it first came out I questioned if you had it on a vehicle and didn't want it how would you know if it was turned off. Nothing like having a microphone in your car turned on all the time and not wanting it , plus the added satisfaction of knowing your being charged extra for it.

[@chadpreece970]

Simple you trace the wire to it's source and ripit out

[@MonkeyJedi99]

@@chadpreece970 And when that intelligent owner option offends the bank accounts of the car maker, they will have a user disabled or enabled item report to the onboard diagnostics and shut the car off.

[@deconteesawyer5758]

@@Joe-by8jh "If you cracked the code and turned the mic off or turned heated seats on would you get charged with piracy ? " It would void your warranty, and put the car in limp mode.

[@GeorgeVCohea-dw7ou]

@@chadpreece970 I should believe removing the fuse would be more practical, but should one wish to go further, disconnecting the conductor to the unit would not cause permanent damage. Ripping it out just sounds dreadfully destructive and pointless.

[@jasonriddell]

in the "old" days you could buy a "bluestar" module and remove OnStar and replace it with this and have hands free bluetooth connection using the OnStar mike / speakers in your car this was before bluetooth hands free was common in cars

[@sirhcmi3]

If this turns out to be true I won’t be considering GM products. Subscription services are a non-starter. I take good care of what I have and will be happy to drive what I have until it dies. (PS: OnStar is a useless add on. My phone has all the same functionality except for reporting an accident, and if GM gets a notice that I was in an accident and chooses to ignore it because I don’t have a subscription, they deserve the class-action lawsuit.)

[@nate2838]

With the way the market is going with subscriptions, I think you will soon be adding "then rebuilding it" to your statement.

[@matthewreed1078]

I felt the same way about onstar but my wife had got into a accident the first month she had the car it saved her life I wasn’t with her she had someone hit her and onstar was there to wake her up and called 911 and they was on the way asap before I got to her

[@legionofanon]

I believe, and dont quote me cause I dont have in front of me atm, that onstar is still required to respond to emergency calls even if you dont have an active subscription. Its similar to how cell phones are still required to be able to place 911 calls even without a service plan active Edit: my belief on Onstar cant be confirmed. I thought I had heard there was a lawsuit about them not responding to emergency calls, but if it happened I cant find it

[@BLAZE13011]

@@nate2838 I'm already there lol resuracting afew old trucks myself

[@5226-p1e]

@@legionofanon some of them apparently not, i have an old straight talk prepaid phone that i now use with free service so long as i have wifi, the free service says that i do not have the capability to call 911 and nore can i use the old straight talk service to call 911 either, i can call any other number, but not 911, it's funny though because i can call the local police number that's not considered to be the emergency number because it uses a local landline number, but the emergency one nope not a chance in hell.

[@Moonracey1]

I'd NEVER pay a "Subscription" for options that were factory installed and I payed for on a vehicle that I bought. I mean how friggin STUPID. And screw OnStar. Iv had them on three of my SUVs and NEVER used them and don't need them. I'll never buy another GM again. And this comes from a Chevrolet guy my whole life. From my daily drivers to all my hotrods. I'm done! F them.

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

Just do like I did when I bought my new van in 2019 and got tired of the dealership mailing me postcards monthly, telling me how many miles I had on my van and when I needed service performed. I went out to the van, pulled headliner to cut wiring, took a sledge hammer to the antennae. Fixed. No more bs tracking and postcards.

[@IMCODERED]

Funny story time. I had OnStar in an old G5 and never used it. One day my wife had to borrow my car. She ran over something and got a flat. The low tire pressure light illuminated as it should, the gentle pull to the right was an indicator as well, not to mention the flop flop flop of the tire being an audible clue. She was perfectly fine until an unexpected voice, in an otherwise single occupant car, started talking to her. She thought someone had snuck into the car. It scared her so bad that she almost wrecked.

[@corssecurity]

Subscription brakes, subscription third, fourth, fifth gears? Subscription A/C? Supscrition wipers? Subscription cruise control? Subscription seat adjustments? Subscription tilt /telescoptic steering. Subscription cylinder activation. First three are included? Windows, door locks? Opening the trunk?

[@chrisfleming701]

Probably not going to be a subscription for brakes. Those are required by law.

[@1djbecker]

Wipers are effectively required by DOT regulations.. but not intermittent, multiple speeds, road speed sensitive and automatic vision modes. The transmission controller decides how many gears are used, and how smoothly shifts occur. (Someone will defend that by saying 'smoother shifts create more wear and thus higher potential warranty claims, thus it should cost more' even when any effect is unmeasurably small.) Software engine tuning has long been indirectly charged for. Making it a subscription would only change how obvious it is. Charging for remote lock and window activation already occurs. It's justified by the internet connectivity used to implement it. It's only a trivial step to charging to use a key fob for non-internet opening. "It's all the same package"

[@johnc2438]

Don't forget a subscription steering wheel and tires!

[@1djbecker]

@@johnc2438 Tires are better exploited by a warranty loop. A warranty loop is where the part wears out slightly before the warranty expires. A pro-rated credit is offered for the next set, sold at full retail. Some factory tires have less tread than their retail counterparts, making starting the loop easier.

[@corssecurity]

@@chrisfleming701 true meant ABS

[@keystonedriving8180]

I'm very glad that GM abandoned the European market a couple of years ago. Basically they were making poor vehicles and people were only prepared to pay a price which meant GM was loosing money. Absolutely nobody paid the inflated list price, 25% discounts and cheap finance hooked people in until they realised how bad their vehicle actually was! They rarely went back. Interestingly, the services you mentioned as being included in GM's scam seemed to be very similar to the services which came for free in the Skoda I bought 3 years ago. Skoda does not sell int the US, but it is part of VW and sells for a slightly lower price. Just as a matter of interest, would a company like Garmin have the basis for an anti-trust type suit against GM over the navigation services they offer? My only interest in this is ownership of a 15 year old Garmin sat-nav which is serving in its 4th car, I have lifetime maps for it so it is bang up to date. I have used 'Waze' the Android sat-nav system which works ok, but I prefer the functionality of the dedicated tool. How long do you think it will be before GM exits the car market all together? The way they are going it could be quite soon.

[@tedkaczynskiamericanhero3916]

Too many -bribes- *lobbyists* for congress to allow an antitrust suit happen. Notice how the US is an oligarch the last couple of decades? Remember when Bill Gates got slapped because he had windows pre-installed with windows explorer and you couldn't delete it? It's much much worse than that now, and nobody bats an eye anymore.

[@betterwithrum]

Not soon enough

[@ronnie3044]

Not a lawyer but I don’t see how an anti trust lawsuit would work here. Many cars have built in navigation that isn’t Garmin so really nothing changes there. There’s no law that I’ve ever heard of that says a company has to offer options from every possible company in the same space. And if someone wants a Garmin they can just buy a Garmin gps.

[@ronnie3044]

Not a lawyer but I don’t see how an anti trust lawsuit would work here. Many cars have built in navigation that isn’t Garmin so really nothing changes there. There’s no law that I’ve ever heard of that says a company has to offer options from every possible company in the same space. And if someone wants a Garmin they can just buy a Garmin gps.

[@Mavendow]

The United States is operating under the same conditions as China circa 1820. The Opium Wars followed after decades of drug import and corruption. So GM will continue to operate (and charge even more) because the government will continue to bail them out. When that fails (and it will) the government will tax, tariff, and then ban imports, a la the Chicken Tax and so-called "made in America" laws. GM will not _ever_ exit the car market until the United States completely crumbles - it has already become a state enterprise.

[@SuperFredAZ]

If I were buying a car with "mandatory subscription" I would demand that the dealer remove the line item or walk out.

[@shaz1616]

Thank you for the 3 minute "Alexa" built in assistant description my echo gave me after you said it lol.

[@stevefox3763]

As someone whos into audio, this obsession from manufacturers with integration is a nightmare :(

[@ryano.5149]

Precisely the reason why I hate Avid with a passion. "Industry standard" my ass.

[@istandfast]

How is it an 'option' if it's mandatory? That literally makes no sense to me. It's like a restaurant calling a 'gratuity' mandatory for parties of 8. It's not a 'gratuity', it's a service charge. If it's mandatory, then why even mention it? Just include it with the price of the car. Am I missing something?

[@holgerchristiansen6012]

Taxes. The answer is taxes. Some countries have huge taxes on cars. But if you sell something extra after the car sale, you are avoiding some of the taxes.

[@fredflintstone4715]

It's like the IRS and 'voluntary compliance'.

[@TimeSurfer206]

Well, there's that pesky thing called "Disclosure." I have to let you know, IN A RESTARAUNT, what you're being charged, before I charge you. Car sales do not have to suffer this foolishness.

[@darrennew8211]

@@fredflintstone4715 When the IRS says "voluntary compliance" they're thanking you for obeying the laws without them having to come beat you up over it. Paying taxes isn't voluntary. Doing it before the IRS audits you is voluntary. It's like when the cop says "Please leave or I'll have to arrest you" and you voluntarily leave rather than getting arrested. The IRS is trying to say "Look, almost everyone pays their taxes, so you should too."

[@danbert8]

Kind of like the "upgraded" bigger wheels with low profile tires. Typically a $2500 addon that makes tires more expensive and wheel damage more common. What do you know. Only cars with the more expensive wheels are ever shipped and you can never get a model with the base wheels.

[@timdowney6721]

Obviously, a lot of people didn’t get hooked on On Star. Rather than find out why and improve the product, GM will apparently force people to buy it….if they want a GM vehicle. Betcha that’s going to be in some mighty fine print. And sales staff will be speaking sotto voce when it comes to On Star.

[@radicalrick9587]

*Fine print that requires a microscope to be able to read it.*

[@TimeSurfer206]

That would be typical American Corporate think, rather like McDonald's reaction to the American Public asking for more food in their food. "Fuk what you want, eat moar plastic."

[@ronnie3044]

@@TimeSurfer206 Not sure why you think that’s an “American corporation” thing. That’s a “Worldwide corporation” thing as we have seen over and over.

[@southernwolf7478]

Looks like they have been reading Microsoft's playbook

[@jasonriddell]

@@ronnie3044 free market corporations answer to there investors and NOT the "consumers" of there goods

[@rider09ninja]

If it is mandatory, it is not an option. Unless you are an absolute die hard GM fan, it will stop others from buying a GM. Eventually this will be forced on everyone unless stopped with lawsuits against car manufacturers.

[@tonebonebgky2]

The only way to stop this is to absolutely refuse to buy any car with this.

[@southernwolf7478]

I've been a die-hard chevy fan for 30+ years..... I'll never own another GM product... this was the last straw for me.

[@charlesschmid8778]

Last new vehicle I purchased was in 1986. I ordered it the way I wanted it. No AC, no radio, etc. Only options were power steering and power brakes, which were mandatory, due to the capacity of the truck. How many people remember, when you talked to the salesman, and "built" your car the way you wanted, then it was ordered, then delivered.

[@gillgetter3004]

I remember sitting in my uncles back yard in Highland Park , with a bunch of UAW workers and one of them said” the car business used to be good until this SOB Nader showed up” they all agreed!!

[@jayjaynella4539]

And Nader never ever drove a car or had a licence.

[@Quinafoi]

I wonder how something like this gets reviewed by the FTC in the context of tying arrangements, which is the case where two products are tied together in their sale and you're not allowed to buy one product without the other and one product is considerably less desirable than the other. Forced tying of products could be potentially against FTC rules. Sadly GM likely isn't a large enough of a market share to trigger these types of issues since you can just buy a different brand of vehicle if you don't want the tied product. The problem comes in though when all brands head down the road of these anti-consumer practices (GM got away with it, so we'll do it too). Since these are two unrelated products though (you can have a car without OnStar service) this is definitely a tying arrangement by definition. The question is does it rise to the level of violating FTC rules.

[@michael931]

It's not anti competitive. It's like ATM fees. If you don't like the ATM fee then get a different bank or use a different machine. The easy solution here is just don't buy a GM product.

[@pottawatomie2]

Tell that to my cable provider, I pay for a bunch of channels I never watch.

[@Locutus]

If every bank charges an ATM fee, then how can you avoid an ATM fee? Years ago in the UK, the banks tried introducing an ATM fee, but they soon backtracked after the public outcry. It's like these resort fees, that are not optional. If resort fees were optional, I wouldn't have any problem with them, but they are not optional. As they are not optional, they should be included in the price. Imagine a hotel that said 99c* a night rooms, but the * says "*plus a $99 a night resort fee". How is that right?

[@SweetLou0523]

Well, we already know this. MyFordConnect is already in place. It is the connected services that has the subscription cost included in the purchase price. The only difference is that Ford does not use a subsidiary to provide the services like GM does with its OnStar stuff. Fundementally the "mandatory" OnStar subscription and MyFordConnect are exactly the same thing.

[@michael931]

@@Locutus in the US there are credit unions with no ATM fee and no fee networks.

[@nottelling9472]

I wonder if GM will be able to track driving habits and then sell that information to insurance companies. Just make people agree to it by modifying the On Star terms of service. Works for software companies.

[@pat4005]

You know that is exactly what they will do. I know at least one insurance company has an optional offer that I think gives you a slight discount after a certain time period if you sign up for a “free” feature that allows them to track your driving. I think it specifically states driving speed as of at least one parameter that you allow them to track. But you know that they will be tracking more parameters and selling it to organizations other than just the insurance company. I think it is a breech of privacy of Orwellian proportions! You know the governm’t will have it’s hand in the cookie jar with this. Then they can track us in our daily activities, see our patterns, and easily then connect the dots between our names, social security numbers, street address, where the vehicle is housed, driving patterns and places we visit, where we shop, work, etc., and then have a very accurate way to connect all that to our credit cards and/or bank accounts, spending habits, and insurance. All for what reason?

[@luviskol]

@@pat4005 One of the UK insurers offer this for young / inexperienced drivers. Considering the premiums for these types of drivers are typically eyewatering any saving can be substantial. Stupid thing is that the fines for driving without insurance are often much less than what the insurance companies charge. Yep that works doesn't it

[@GeorgeVCohea-dw7ou]

*Bingo!* Pretty much no one needs any of this outdated _technology,_ and the gimmick truly is a solution in search of a problem. The only beneficiary is GM. For some features that even a mediocre smartphone can do cheaper and better in 2022, they want to gather data and force you to pay for the delivery‽ Perhaps, you will get regular emails with detailed scan data to show you the heath of the car and warn you about impending issues, but I, sincerely, doubt that. Getting a phone call from the dealership's service department about scheduling an appointment to have _something_ repaired would extremely disconcerting. Nope, only atrocious things should be expected from this scheme! It's intended to help them, not you.

[@bslprints9935]

100% thats what this is really about

[@GeorgeMonet]

Your insurance company will 100% purchase, request or subpoena GM for access to this information in the event you get into a crash. I am sure they will also sell this data to police departments, transportation departments, etc.

[@billcarney829]

Just before you purchase the vehicle from the dealer and have negotiated your BEST price, simply bring up the forced subscription. Then DEMAND the the dealer REDUCE your sales price by the amount of the subscription.

[@MonkeyJedi99]

And if they refuse that offer, tell them to physically remove the offending "options".

[@Veevslav1]

Just do the smart thing... Boycott GM.

[@danneilson684]

And be prepared to walk out

[@spikespa5208]

@@danneilson684 Amen. Waste their time.

[@x3dominator28]

Sorry but I don’t want my car reporting back to the manufacturer no matter the cost. I don’t want my insurance company to be able to buy data against my wishes. I won’t want the government to have access to all the data these new cars can report back via on star.

[@northyland1157]

On-Star should be subscription, because someone at the other end has to be there at the other end. Its not like heated seats, which shouldn't be a subscription.

[@randystegemann9990]

I don't want any of the "options" you mentioned, and I doubt I'll be alone in looking for an alternate make of vehicle if I see any of these. My city loves to periodically inflict more and more higher local "option" sales taxes on us. The only thing "optional" about them is the vote, the tax is mandatory once passed. I say that's misleading also.

[@k.chriscaldwell4141]

Hilarious, you said “vote.” As many learned in 2020, “voting” is an act of theater. You pretend to “vote,” they pretend to “count,” and then they tell you what you “voted” for. It’s been that way for decades. _”Well whatya know, looks like you ‘voted’ to be taxed more.”_

[@randystegemann9990]

@@k.chriscaldwell4141 I have my doubts about the tax vote, too. Then there are the tactics used by the proponents to win. Trying year after year until it passes. Misleading promises to get people to want it. Years ago, the school superintendent said it was all they would ever need and it would go away after a few years. It became permanent and they always want more. This last time, property tax relief was promised. That "relief" was not a reduction, only a 3% drop in the property tax rate, followed by the property assessments going up several times that much.

[@DarkPesco]

They have PROVEN their companies are rip-offs!...every corporation that tries this! Here's why: 1. They are basically putting all options on the car and the base price will have these options turned off. 2. If you want them turned on you pay more money...BUT... 3. The car with all options was proven profitable at the lower price when they sold the car in a disabled mode. This entire scheme is bad and these car companies should be made to feel bad!

[@ocoolwow]

These companies don't feel anything they only care about the bottom line. You don't like it? Too bad you won't find a company in the US that would give two shits if they are profiting.

[@robneikirk8242]

Let them do that with all options(We can purchase base model)...remember like nintendo games that had cheat codes...the people will hack!...lol..

[@DarkPesco]

@@toomanyhobbies2011 "Feel Bad" is like Beauty... it's in the eye of the beholder... everyone can be beautiful. Everyone can feel bad. The question is in who finds them beautiful and what makes them feel bad and adjusting tactics to achieve the desired result. No... I'm not joking. This is a fact of every life.

[@ostlandr]

I have the same problem with Ford. When it comes to pickup trucks, all you ever see in the dealerships are "Texas Cadillacs" with stupid features like alloy wheels. To get the F-150 we want, we'd have to order it specially from the factory. And just to get ONE option we want (cruise control) we'd have to buy a whole upgraded option package at a stupid price, with lots of stuf we don't want like power windows, power locks, etc. More stuff to go wrong. Plus, by the time we spec out the features we do want, like a towing package and skid plates, we're looking at $40k- and that's probably goinig up by 25%- 50% thanks to inflation. Add another $10k at least for an F-250. In some areas, you can still buy a mobile home on its own lot (not one you rent in a park) for that. Not fancy, but it will keep you warm and dry. What more do you NEED from a home?

[@YdenMk-II]

I remember hearing that OnStar has an auto dial 911 when it detects a crash feature which was a big issue with that politician that was caught driving drunk when he ran into a tree because of it.

[@CapnSnackbeard]

This makes older cars so much more valuable.

[@E_Legal_Alien]

I do subscribe to the basic diagnostics through the chevy app, as it's very convenient. Checking the tire pressure, fuel level, time to oil change, remote lock/unlock, vehicle locate and the flash lights (when you forgot where you parked) Everything else can be done through Android Auto

[@theberrybest]

I've had gm vehicles my entire life. Never once have I used onstar. From my personal vehicles to my work vehicles. GM is all I've ever purchased. It'll definitely make me think twice before buying any future service vehicles moving forward, and keep me in all my vehicles for a much longer period of time.

[@camgere]

Right blinker: $50 a month. Left blinker $50 a month. Brakes $100 a month, unless collision avoidance determines you are likely to have an accident, then $500 per use. Steering, same as brakes.

[@garfieldsmith332]

Since most people do not use turn signals they can same themselves 100 bucks.😊

[@nate2838]

@@garfieldsmith332Was thinking the same, the subscription on blinkers would never be bought.

[@lovecats6856]

Funny. I often wonder if some driver's cars have optional blinkers. Another idea: just use manual hand signals such as for bicycles (left, right, slow, stop; ya I know bicycle riders don't use them either).

[@Bob-Lob-Law]

I test drove a Saab years ago and things were going ok when I looked above the rear view mirror and noticed a blue Onstar button . I could not get out of that car fast enough

[@tonebonebgky2]

Why on older vehicles all you have to do is contact them one time and tell them you want all connections with the vehicle cut and severed, you can do it with the new ones but I guess they'll still charge you for it when you buy the car.

[@sbv-zs7wz]

Aside from not agreeing in any way with the concept, if I were GM I'd also offer the buyer a shiny new iphone or top android phone with linked data plan, maybe with a GM branded SIM card and things like family plans, then use it to collect loads of data on the users, for marketing or reselling. Any bets on how long before that 'optional offer' appears? :)

[@beekeeper8474]

Well OnStar is tired to your cars internet so they will be selling your data for a profit as well

[@chrisfreemesser5707]

Some folks believe that OnStar does this (ie: tracking your driving habits) whether your subscription is active or not. Don't know if it's true or not but 10+ years ago when I had a Pontiac it was an easy enough problem to solve...I just pulled the fuse for the OnStar circuit

[@Djkommode]

It’s like buying a Tesla. They even record where you drive for maps. Simply another information company using ev cars.

[@InfinityOrNone]

@@Djkommode If that's supposed to be a defense, it isn't working.

[@Djkommode]

@@InfinityOrNone defense for what. I’m simply stating facts.

[@kingofbrutaltheocracy9201]

I pulled the Qualcomm cellular chip completely off my chevy Colorado's bcm board. Cannot activate OnStar if there is no where to connect the antenna. Lost the digital compass and all wireless services, but no generic obd2 codes.

[@groermaik]

O Canada! Our home and native land! True patriot love, thou dost in us command. We see thee rising fair, dear land, The True North, strong and free, and stand on guard, O Canada, We stand on guard for thee.

[@PhilipMarcYT]

You'll own nothing, and you'll be happy. So it's where it's going. 😑

[@davidh9638]

Convince me that I'll be happy?

[@sbrazenor2]

@@davidh9638 He's quoting Klaus Schwab, not making the statement himself. A bunch of rich and influential people are trying to get people stuck on the hamster wheel of making payments for the things they use, rather than just owning things.

[@freethebirds3578]

Exactly. This does double duty for the WEF elites. if we can't own a car, we lose our freedom to live and work where we want. No car? You must live in an urban center and rely on public transportation. If you are willing to rent your daily driver, you are at the mercy of the owner who can control how far you can drive, what temperature you keep the interior, what stickers you put on it, whatever.

[@squaaaaak3178]

You never did own anything. If it can be taken away if you don't do certain things, you don't own it.

[@akshonclip]

Anything that can be connected to and/or interfaced with GM’s servers is vulnerable to subscription service charges. Remote start buttons are being deleted from keyfobs or the car is required to have cloud access to function. Why? Because they can make more money. I ditched my Ford Pass and installed a Clifford alarm with remote keyfob for starting

[@nfcapps]

The answer is NEVER "well I won't buy from them then!" The idea that "it doesn't affect me so I don't need to worry about it," is conciliatory and we keep losing ground. IF IT'S WRONG, IT'S WRONG! Period! And we should fight it at every turn!

[@markm921]

Toyota, I have heard, also does this. Most if not all will try, I won't play along. My Grand Cherokee is 19 years old with 70K mies on it, my f150 is 10 years old with 49K miles on it, I hold onto cars, won't need their silly subscribition.

[@court2379]

OnStar can read the diagnostics codes and data. Your phone could with a Bluetooth adapter, but not otherwise. They also have software to interpret the results. I was with someone as a passenger with OnStar. We drove to a gas station, filled up, and then the car wouldn't start. He called up OnStar they told him his battery connection was faulty. Popped the hood, checked the battery connection and one was loose. Tighten the clamp, started right up. It was pretty impressive how fast we were on our way again. It's more than just what your phone does. It will also automatically call 911 on accident detection. I wouldn't pay for it, but it could bring peace of mind to people who know nothing about cars.

[@Vaeloron]

When I bought my 2015 Colorado they pushed hard to get me to take the OnStar but I did not. The frustrating part is that there are certain parts of the vehicle that could just use my phone's data connection like the music system does but if you don't pay for the package you don't get it. As you mentioned these are all features available on my phone anyway though so why pay for it.

[@theatomicpunkkid]

Wow the general's about to lose his whole army over this and, several other things he's gone and pulled these last few years. Also even googling OnStar related horror stories brings up quite a bit these days and some of it is pretty dark. Also being connected to the internet on a long road trip sounds intriguing but I also now know what the internet is so miss me by a planet with this one. This whole they shape your life around you thing holds more and more water each day.

[@ForsakenFenix]

nice avatar :P

[@quicksilver462]

"Subscriptions" will raise the value of older cars!!!

[@Bobs-Wrigles5555]

Ben still running along side Red Viper, Will he last?, Steve's RHS

[@melindaking7936]

🤣 At first glance, I thought your shirt said CONada. 😂

[@Resonance_Of_Life]

Ty for the head ache info! I will try it !

[@Sunday_Woodward]

Tesla treating their cars as gadgets (instead of vehicles) has really had a ripple effect throughout the industry. I hate to see it.

[@darrennew8211]

I think it's intrinsic to the fact that cars are now loaded with computers and connectivity is ubiquitous and cheap. Tesla did it first-ish, but GM would be doing things like this regardless. You see it on your TVs and phones and desktop computers too, with apps you don't want but you can't delete because the manufacturer was paid to include them.

[@donpayton737]

I've always somewhat avoided GM vehicles because I felt it was stupid paying for the OnStar hardware when nobody wants it. Now I'm definitely not going to look at it. Such a bad decision. There are some people out there making really good money coming up with these stupid ideas

[@gregjames2684]

Who'da figured "getting paid to be stupid" ?

[@ronnie3044]

The only reason they make good money is because people buy it. I’m not mad at the company for doing it. I’m mad at the idiot consumers who pay for it. I would do the exact same thing if I knew idiots would pay for it. Anyone would be stupid not to.

[@billh.1940]

Just shows we need consumer protection laws, true in buying, full disclosure contracts, anti monopoly laws!

[@researchcapt]

GM is not a monopoly, it has competition. It is closer to an oligopoly. I'm not defending GM.

[@jerrycann6374]

Thank you for pointing out the manufacturer sells the car to the dealership who sell the car. Purchasers of "new" cars are actually getting a previously owned car. Regarding Onstar it relies on GPS, so even if your car isn’t activated, Onstar may still be able to track your car. Onstar won’t stop locating your car unless you ask yourself to remove the tracking service.

[@Well_Spoken]

Hello, one aspect not mentioned was the process to be used to secure payment after the expiration of the initial 3 year subscription. Is GM going to declare a default of payment on a persons credit report for non payment? Looking to have someone share their experience.

[@jasonriddell]

when I bought my USED GM from a GM dealer part of the delivery process was sitting in the car with the sales person and pressing the OnStar button and setting up OnStar while the sales person was there and they asked for a credit card on the spot I told them I DO NOT HAVE ONE and that went on for a 1/2 hour as I was NOT giving them one after the free period ran out one day driving OnStar called me using OnStar NOT my phone and told me and tried again for a credit card I again did NOT "have" one about 2 months later the OnStar lights went out to never come on again green light turned red once the service ran out and 3 months later went out AS I ASSUMED the de-provisioned the OnStar cell link same experience for a friend that bought a NEW cruze in 2011 but 2 years "free" service

[@Bob-Lob-Law]

Morpheus explains to Neo that pushing the red OnStar button allows someone to learn what the GMatrix actually is, while pushing the blue OnStar button would cause him to wake up in car where he could “believe whatever you want.”

[@brentbartley6838]

It's nice to know one day car companies will be able to require a paid subscription just to start our cars. You know someone is pushing that idea in the companies. It'll let them keep making money even on used cars. The video game companies were playing around with that idea with used games but digital downloads kinda killed that.

[@SkylineFTW97]

A good friend of mine drives a 2009 Chevy Cobalt LT. They had factory remote start which didn't require a subscription. I don't even know if the Cobalts (or at least his) had OnStar. Crazy how they were able to make these features work without online connectivity for so long before, but they just "can't" now.

[@dilligafmofoker]

Remote start is a D to D action-online connectivity isn’t required. They’re only disabling that feature (remotely) after 3 years because everyone uses it.

[@SkylineFTW97]

@@dilligafmofoker And so continues the trend of overcomplicating things that don't need to be overcomplicated to make more money off of it.

[@GeorgeVCohea-dw7ou]

@@dilligafmofoker Unless you are a spy or other infamous individual legitimately concerned about car bombs, it seems like a mostly useless feature to remote start. You lot have become so lazy that starting your car has become a chore! What is the point‽

[@dilligafmofoker]

@@GeorgeVCohea-dw7ou If you live where it gets cold/icing…warming your car’s interior is helpful to open the door if it ice’s up to the point the door is frozen shut. It’s happened to me. Also, melting ice/ snow on the windshield is critical to see to drive. Warming your vehicle to a ready-to-drive state can sometimes require 30 minutes or longer. Avoiding even one treacherous, icy trip to & from your vehicle to start it isn’t lazy, it’s smart.

[@commoncents456]

Hi Steve You mentioned different pricing. I think onstar should be a set price no matter what vehicle it's installed in.

[@larrysmith6797]

OK auto manufacturers, you've convinced me to keep my pristine 60,000 mile 2004 Mach1 as a daily driver. One computer for the fuel injection and that's it. No freakin' infotainment system, no wifi, no 12" screen. Just a 32 valve all aluminum DOHC V8 and a Tremec 5 speed. 30.1MPG @ 70MPH over 100 miles (real world in Wyoming). My next car, which I will drive Spring, Summer and Fall, will be a Shelby Cobra replica. A Superformance or maybe even a Kirkham. Nothing computerized to fail and the only subscriptions I need are insurance for the car and medical if I wrap it around a tree.

[@wadereynoldsgm]

I'll never buy a GM ever again. (I've made this decisions years ago but this makes it more unlikely that I'd ever consider them in the future.)

[@Exciteduser]

Me too. I bought a 1973 Chevy Vega (cylinder liner defect) and then a 1978 Chevy Impala (T200 transmission defect). That taught me never to buy another GM product. I guess they're still at it.

[@diann546]

I heard a report that they are also starting to do this for furnaces and central air, in parts of the country. More big brother snooping capability too!

[@beekeeper8474]

Yup the power company turned off my AC yesterday was 87° in my house.

[@pianowoman5468]

What?

[@nunya3163]

@@beekeeper8474 Don't connect that shit.

[@diann546]

@@pianowoman5468 There are heating and air companies that have switched to a subscription service for furnace and central air conditioners. There is free upkeep and free service, but you will not "own" them. They are promoting this as the future!

[@pianowoman5468]

@@diann546 Omg. I hadn’t heard of that!

[@harveywallbanger1738]

Not an issue for me, as I did not just give them my money to purchase the car, I licensed my money to purchase the car. So, GM leased the right to use my money, until I chose to rescind that right. I consider this a win-win. 🙂

[@jessbronfield3483]

Here in OZ we just use google maps on the phone or some other app depending on the phone you use. Same with Siri or hey google. Phone sits in a mount on the dash or in the vents. Simple. The same apps are used with built in systems in the vehicle depending on if it is an apple or android system. Is this not the same as the US?

[@DSC800]

When I bought my Chevy Volt, 8 years ago, the finance agent got to the Onstar part and asked for my credit card. I explained we already financed the car, not by credit card, not needed. She kept asking. I had to tell her "it's not gonna happen". Apparently, after the free 3 year period, many just had their card charged for $20 month. Of course now Onstar is only free for a couple months.

[@Bobs-Wrigles5555]

I wonder if they're eventually going to call all these add-on features "APPS"

[@paul.van.santvoord1232]

I think internally they already do.

[@Bobs-Wrigles5555]

@@paul.van.santvoord1232 👍Wouldn't surprise me.

[@ZS-bg7jo]

Many models have a button called Apps that connects to iPhone and Android connect services on the phone

[@Bobs-Wrigles5555]

@@ZS-bg7jo My thinking was eventually there will be an APP store for various "options", just like Apple, Google, Microsoft and Samsung and you can subscribe for what you want activated with the hardware already in place. Not my particular choice on a vehicle where you pay heaps more than a phone.

[@jasonwomack4064]

Car pricing has reached such a ridiculous point, it'll be far cheaper to have your old car gone through and overhauled every so often.

[@ostlandr]

Yep. Will probably be driving my '07 Honda Accord until I pass away (and I'm only 55 and likely to hit my '90s.) Really want a stripped down "farm truck" F-150, but not at $40k.

[@GeneralChangFromDanang]

If I could replace the rusty frame on my '06 Sportage, I would do it. The thing has been bulletproof mechanically.

[@RonBand01]

Your "option" at this time is NOT to by a GM vehicle.

[@williamwallace9826]

What happens to OnStar on the first day of Year Four? Does the subscription just end -- or does your car stop working?

[@kn4cc755]

It's automobiles as a service. The data linking capability is required to enforce other functions and software "updates" as well as possibly disabling your vehicle if they find you don't do or do something they don't like.

[@winkiloves2324]

i wonder if they think this will bring in more customers or something like that? tbh this sounds more like a deterrent to me like why would i want to go buy a GM if i have to buy these useless subscription shit that i dont need or want

[@peterhineinlegen4672]

It seems like they're expecting the same number of customers and want to milk them for more profit. I agree with you, I think it will backfire. I'd like to see a competitor offer deals on options and option packages. And advertise why, like the old Pepsi challenge ads.

[@CptBlackbeardlives]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. We can end all subscriptions right now by simply refusing to pay them our lowest common denominator is dragging us all down by paying subscriptions now.

[@theatomicpunkkid]

It started with cable Sirius XM and cell phones and yes this is exactly how they get you.

[@carguy4658]

Definitely Orwellian on behalf of GM, a forced option is a demand. It is like GM is putting a gun to the heads of their customers. Ben behind the Red Viper near Steve's KZbin sign.

[@mjuhanil]

Hey I just found your channel . I have a 2021 GMC Sierra work truck with offroad package and it doesn't have satellite radio and there is no OnStar button. Also because of the chip shortage there's no cylinder deactivation or engine shutoff when you stop.

[@WreckDiver99]

This is only going to get worse. I have literally heard "we can charge for using power windows, power mirrors, heated seats, cooled seats, radios, etc.". The idea is to "reduce complexity" by including all the hardware and allowing the person to pick what they want enabled...One of the "sales and marketing" things I saw was "This will allow somebody that might be of a lower income level to own the same vehicle as somebody that is at a much higher income level. They just won't need to pay for all the things to be enabled if they choose not to". Problem is, where does it end? @Steve Lehto, you are 100% correct. ALL Companies are doing this, it's not just GM...BMW, Ford, Stellantis, Cherry Motors, Tesla, GM, VW, and more are all planning on moving to more and more 'subscription' based 'offerings'. Want to stop it? DO NOT BUY IT. I totally get paying a subscription for nav systems (map upgrades), auto-pilot systems (again, mapping, technology, programming, etc.). Those things make sense, but when I hear "we can charge for heated seats, power windows, etc.", no. No NO NO. You can try, but why am I paying for a subscription to something that is a switch to a motor, that I PAID FOR to begin with. There is no "software updates" for these things, there is no "maintenance". If I'm going to pay a "subscription" to these things, then if it EVER breaks (motor burns on, window regulator breaks, etc.), then the car company fixes it for me, at no charge. Yea...lets see that actually happen.

[@gordonshumway7239]

GM keeps using that word “option”. I do not think it means what they think it means. :-)

[@TheOriginalJphyper]

People actually owning the things they pay for? Inconceivable!

[@Mike1614YT]

kinda like the word "vaccine"

[@ajcates9136]

They want the checks coming in every month

[@jasonriddell]

Wall-St "values" monthly cash flow higher and there for "rewards" subscription business models

[@Absaalookemensch]

You have the option to pay a monthly subscription to continue the luxury features of air conditioning/heating, power steering, power brakes, cruise control, automatic transmission, spare tire and tools. We will continue with the free features of brakes, turn signal indicators, headlights, windshield and wipers, seat belts, air bags, windshield defroster, bumpers, tires, engine, steering, parking brakes, manual transmission, muffler, and other safety features.

[@RedMatthew]

If it's in MY car that I OWN then I'll use it even if I need to hack it or hardwire a bypass and if they try to sue me there's no way this kind of crap stands up in court

[@Absaalookemensch]

@@RedMatthew Agree. But you do get all the standard features for no monthly subscription, like brakes, headlights, windshield and wipers, etc ;)

[@thewolfdoctor761]

I had narrowed my new SUV purchase down to 3 manufacturers/models. One is a GMC Acadia. Now that I've found out about this "option" that I would never use, I have eliminated the Acadia from my short list.

[@tisjester]

They find that if they make it optional very few folks want it.. I have onstar in my 2015 - I do not pay or use it.. I only used the remote start infrequently and do not miss it at all. The only thing I do miss is the remote maintenance access where I can check everything from tire pressure and gas level.

[@kenbrown2808]

I think there should be a law that if there is an advertised price for a product or service, a person can walk into the business with that specific amount of money and purchase the product or service.

[@jasonriddell]

first lets talk sales tax VS "VAT" tax that is included in the price you see-pay

[@kenbrown2808]

@@jasonriddell vs. income tax which can be made progressive so you're not penalizing people for having to live paycheck to paycheck.

[@lizard450]

I'd be upset but I've never considered buying a gm product in my life.

[@My-Pal-Hal]

GM IS MAKING ONE OPTION EASY TO DECIDE ON. The option to buy anything other than GM. Now that's marketing 🤤

[@NautiPapaT]

So what data do we think they are gathering on the car (for warranty) and for driving habits, patterns, etc. to build their self-driving database?

[@rogerhovden6626]

I am ready for a new pickup so today I went shopping. You are correct onstar is added in for 1500. I bought a new ram truck. Worked for gm for 23 years.