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I was just watching a review on the new 2024 F-150. So the 360 Degree Camera System has a subscription.... Yup, you heard me.... A hardware feature in the vehicle you purchased is not available unless you continue to pay for it after 90 days. I suspect this will be coming to the 2024 Super Duties. Personally, I believe this is a HUGE mistake on Ford's part. What do you guys think?
The following is from the 2024 F-15 Build Configurator:
I rarely use the side cameras on my truck. Front and back are used a lot. My mirrors give me a better perspective than the side cameras. I could live without the 360 view. So no, I wouldn't pay for that subscription.
It sucks for us as consumer but it will generate revenue for Ford and won't detour 99.9% of people's decision on whether to buy a truck or not. It sucks for the ones that use it but smart by Ford to capitalize on the subscription model. Ford is around to make money afterall.
It sucks for us as consumer but it will generate revenue for Ford and won't detour 99.9% of people's decision on whether to buy a truck or not. It sucks for the ones that use it but smart by Ford to capitalize on the subscription model. Ford is around to make money afterall.
I mean that's pretty much it, they're in business to make money. Still doesn't make sense for something that you HAVE the hardware for, but you can't use. I could see if it was just software, but if you've got the hardware and can't use it, what's the point?
Still, I won't be putting it on any truck I ever buy in the future.
Well BMW tried this with heated seats a few years back... It failed miserably. I would love to hear the business case for this from product management at Ford. I wonder if they studied what happened at BMW. Regardless, BMW backtracked a few years later...
I think eventually they'll all start doing it. So at some point you probably will pay for something you shouldn't.
Ill start buying the base XL trucks. That 8” screen with CarPlay is all anyone actually needs. And if Ford screws the pooch again, the aftermarket has you covered.
They've been charging a subscription for the connected nav for a couple of years now.
Supposedly to cover their costs for keeping it current, but that wouldn't be the case for this camera system, so it's just a money grab.
is it a subscription, or simply an activation fee (one time)? Judging from the picture, it's the later. IF (big if) this replaces the cost of adding the option to the truck, then it should be a wash. But this would also be on the assumption that from a cost standpoint, it's cheaper for them to build ALL the trucks with the 360 camera then it is to have 2 production procedures. So instead of paying the option when building the truck to add the 360 camera, you now pay the same to "enable the feature".
IF it's a monthly fee and not what I described above, then screw that. I will hold out further judgement until more information is available.
I mean that's pretty much it, they're in business to make money. Still doesn't make sense for something that you HAVE the hardware for, but you can't use. I could see if it was just software, but if you've got the hardware and can't use it, what's the point?
Still, I won't be putting it on any truck I ever buy in the future.
I wouldn't be happy if I used it either, just pointing out why they're doing it. IF it happens people will be pissed off about it for a few years then come back and pay for it. People that are not on an SD forum or not in an SD FB group will continue buying the trucks and subscribing to the service as well. Hell most of the people on this forum will continue buying these trucks, me included, there are a small % of people that won't. Mainly the ones who post here daily. Then in 3 or 4 years when you want to get back into a SD most will come back.
I wonder if Ford is paying a third party for these cameras or the software on the cameras and maybe that's where this subscription fee is going to perhaps?
is it a subscription, or simply an activation fee (one time)? Judging from the picture, it's the later. IF (big if) this replaces the cost of adding the option to the truck, then it should be a wash. But this would also be on the assumption that from a cost standpoint, it's cheaper for them to build ALL the trucks with the 360 camera then it is to have 2 production procedures. So instead of paying the option when building the truck to add the 360 camera, you now pay the same to "enable the feature".
IF it's a monthly fee and not what I described above, then screw that. I will hold out further judgement until more information is available.
This guy reads.
In general the idea is that it is cheaper to include it for all if (and only if) they can sell enough activations. Marketing/sales must have convinced leadership that the conversion numbers will be there. I've seen this business model for decades in the IT field. Sure there are software upsells but also mainframe computers would come with multiple processors which you could activate by paying the extra licensing.
I don't really have an issue with it for lower trim lines but at some point I would rather not be "nickled and dimed" if I buy a higher trim line .. just build it into the price.
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