In an effort to spice up income, some automakers have began to supply options by way of subscription. As soon as the subscription is made, house owners are sometimes capable of unlock the options by way of software program utilizing an app.

Not too long ago, Mercedes-Benz began providing a $1,200 annual subscription to U.S. house owners of sure EQ-badged electrical automobiles to unlock most efficiency. BMW in some markets has even made options like heated seats obtainable by way of subscription.

Volvo, which pioneered a subscription mannequin as an alternative choice to buying or leasing a automobile, can be taking a look at subscription for options, however just for substantial objects.

The data was confirmed by Björn Annwall, Volvo’s COO, in an interview with Bloomberg revealed final week.

“If you’re to cost for software program updates, it should be a step change in client profit,” he mentioned.

Annwall gave the instance of a self-driving mode as the kind of characteristic for which Volvo could cost a subscription. Volvo has already introduced a self-driving characteristic known as Journey Pilot, which can allow true hands-off, eyes-off journey on sure highways. Timing for Journey Pilot isn’t clear, although the primary market has been confirmed as California.

Not everyone seems to be eager on the thought of a subscription being required for options, particularly once they’re already constructed into the automobile and solely require software program to unlock. Two members of the New Jersey Normal Meeting, Paul Moriarty and Joe Danielsen, in September launched invoice No. 4519 that goals to make it unlawful for automakers and sellers to promote subscriptions for options that use {hardware} already put in within the automobile on the time of buy.

Nevertheless, the invoice leaves a caveat for options that require ongoing bills to the automaker, supplier, or any third-party service supplier, similar to content material streaming providers and newer self-driving applied sciences which are upgraded over time, for instance with new functionalities or better map protection.

This text was initially revealed by Motor Authority, an editorial companion of ClassicCars.com.