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Now that cars are like smartphones, we don’t really own them
(www.washingtonpost.com)
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this post was submitted on 10 Nov 2023
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I mean, I think the only proper response to this is just a boycott or a straight ban on companies that do that in the states. It would let smaller companies slide in, or other competitors take over. Currently it's a contest between the two companies and their customers, just don't buy if they don't have the features, companies will either revert the decision or pull out of the regions.
The solution is strong regulation. Just completely disallow things like this.
This is the true answer here.
Government doing it's job and regulating companies to prevent anti-consumer practices and hostile design.
I agree. There's not like hundreds of unknown car manufacturers just waiting for this privacy opportunity to strike so they make it big, who can then ramp up production to meet the need.. There's no way free market principles can provide a solution in this case
And when all the auto manufacturers are doing that? We all drive a Little Tikes coupe?
Not like we have much choice because they will all do it.
Buy used and repair it
I do not have the time or money to repair a used vehicle. I can finance a functioning one but that’s about it.
I'm confused how you can afford to finance a new car but can't afford the occasional repair on a used one. I wasn't referring to buying one with a blown up engine, missing a carb compliant cat, and a transmission in limp mode.
Capitalism always takes over, if there is potential to sell someone will step in. Used to have small car shops and stores all around, big companies came in and they all closed shop, it'll go back to that most likely, although it's more likely other competitors will take advantage of the situation and just move in instead. Especially if the situation expands to further states.
I’d hope the free market will move in and create competition. I am pessimistic though. I think anyone who tries will be shut down by buyouts/suppression.
Yeah, imagine a small rural town trying to start their own car factory today.
"Oh, it's going to cost $100 Million? Well shit..."
Economies of scale are a bitch.
The magic hand of the free market is an illusion created by capitalists trying to fool consumers into thinking they have the power of choice. Someone will only step in to fill in a void if it's economically viable. Too many people depend on cars, in the US, to just... not buy them. And preparing to fill that void takes a metric fuck ton of capital and time to set up. In the mean time people need vehicles to get around. Not to mention commercial fleets, delivery vehicles and rentals.
Your example makes the opposite of your point. How are small companies supposed to compete against the economy of scale? This is especially true in things that require a lot of manufacturing. There's an insane amount of upfront capital necessary to even be able to come close to competing.
I don't think I've ever seen a boycott actually work. We need to force them with regulation or other means.
In the States at least there are far too many dumb consumers for any meaningful boycott. I think we'll have to rely on the EU to save us, as usual.
This is really sad. We should be organizing to save ourselves.