quelquod wrote:Paying for software upgrades to cars is nothing new. Many (most?) cars have required paid-for upgrades for many years should you want your built-in navigation system map to remain (almost) current. Higher-end manufacturers like BMW and Mercedes have for years had a whole raft of software frills which require annual relicensing. Should BMW issue a software update to my present car I will normally only get it installed out of the warranty period if I pay for it. None of these though prevent using the car for its basic function which is I think the OP’s concern.
Really?
I've had three BMWs two SAABS two Mercs and
never been asked to pay for any upgrades.
Of course, "frills" is up to you, but I'm talking the possibility of
essential software being held to ransom at some time in the future. Pay for fripperies if you like but that is a hardly a precedent for what is being threatened in future - this is a whole order of magnitude greater. Pay £40k for a car and then to find sometime later the software which "makes it go" is not "supported" after three years is beyond doubt a racket. And just think what this will do for the less well off in society who need to buy older cars but could not afford to pay this danegeld.
Hopefully, the EU might step in to limit what the companies can do - though I expect any Tory government will drag it heals as usual, relying on a "voluntary code" or ordinary people making sensible choices. Like walking or waiting for a non-existent bus to take the kids to school.
Arb.