Regardless of the reason, Tesla Cybertruck owners are understandably upset that a basic feature like Autosteer is now being withheld unless they pay for the Full Self-Driving package. This decision not only goes against Tesla’s previous promises and practices but also leaves owners feeling shortchanged after spending a significant amount of money on a high-end vehicle.
For many, Autosteer is a crucial component of the Autopilot system that enhances safety and convenience while driving. Without it, Cybertruck owners may feel like they are missing out on a key feature that should come standard with such a technologically advanced vehicle.
As Tesla continues to face challenges with the Cybertruck, including production delays and quality control issues, the decision to remove Autosteer from the standard Autopilot package only adds to the negative perception surrounding the vehicle. With competitors entering the electric pickup market, Tesla may find it harder to attract customers if it continues to make unpopular decisions like this.
It remains to be seen how Cybertruck owners will respond to this news and whether Tesla will reconsider its stance on Autosteer in the future. In the meantime, the controversy surrounding the Cybertruck shows no signs of slowing down, and Tesla will need to address these issues quickly to regain the trust and confidence of its customer base.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and other news in the electric vehicle industry.
The anticipation surrounding Tesla’s upcoming $30,000 electric vehicle has been met with some skepticism following recent developments. The Cybertruck, with a starting price of nearly $70,000, has made headlines for not including lane-keeping assist, a feature that is standard in many lower-priced vehicles on the market. This omission has left some customers disappointed, especially those who opted not to purchase the Full Self-Driving (FSD) package.
Tesla has indicated that its “feature sets will change,” leaving open the possibility of adding Autosteer back into the suite at a later date. However, as it stands now, owners are left without this essential feature, sparking discussions of potential class action lawsuits on various forums.
Meanwhile, in the used car market, prices have been on the rise, defying the typical trends seen in April. Cox Automotive’s Manheim Index, which tracks wholesale pricing at auctions, has reported a 2.7% year-over-year increase, the highest jump since October 2023. The driving force behind this surge in prices is dealers stocking up on used vehicles in preparation for tariff-induced hikes on new vehicles.
According to Cox Automotive, dealers are purchasing a wide range of vehicles at auction, anticipating that the prices of new cars will increase due to impending tariffs. This heightened demand for used cars has led to a tightening of inventory, with dealers experiencing a significant decrease in the number of days’ worth of supply on hand compared to the previous year.
Jeremy Robb, senior director of economic and industry insights at Cox Automotive, noted that the market may experience a slowdown in the second half of the year as buyers rush to make purchases ahead of expected price increases. Dealers are advised to capitalize on the current situation by acquiring popular models that are likely to appreciate in value as new vehicle prices climb.
In conclusion, the automotive industry is facing a period of uncertainty as both Tesla’s product offerings and the used car market undergo significant changes. Customers and dealers alike are navigating these shifting landscapes, with the hope that strategic decisions now will lead to positive outcomes in the future. Ford’s recent decision to raise prices on three models built in North America due to tariffs is a stark reminder of the impact of global trade policies on consumers. The Mustang Mach-E, Maverick, and Bronco Sport will all see price increases, with Ford citing the $2.5 billion hit from tariffs as the reason behind the adjustments.
While all three models are technically made in North America, the complex supply chains and global nature of tariffs mean that assembly location alone does not guarantee exemption from additional costs. Ford is taking steps to offset the impact of tariffs by raising prices by as much as $2,000 on these models.
The decision to raise prices comes on the heels of Ford’s announcement that Trump’s trade war would add $2.5 billion in overall costs by 2025. Rival GM has also felt the effects of tariffs on imported automobiles, with both companies facing significant financial challenges as a result.
Ford’s CEO has been vocal about the potential impact of tariffs on the industry, warning that higher prices for customers are inevitable if trade policies remain unchanged. The cost uptick resulting from tariffs will likely wipe out billions of dollars in profit for automakers, affecting jobs and the entire value system of the industry.
For consumers in the market for a new Ford vehicle, the price hikes are already in effect, with vehicles built after May 2nd reflecting the adjusted pricing. If you’re considering purchasing a pre-tariff model, now is the time to act before the new prices take effect in late June.
In conclusion, the trade war is no longer a distant concern but a reality that is directly impacting the prices consumers pay for vehicles. As Ford and other automakers navigate the challenges of tariffs, it’s essential for shoppers to consider the implications of waiting to make a purchase and potentially paying more in the future. The best deal may not be worth waiting for if it means facing higher costs due to trade policies. But what happens when an automaker decides to disable a software feature via an over-the-air (OTA) update? Should they have the right to do so without any consequences? This is a question that needs to be addressed as vehicles become more reliant on software and connectivity.
In the case of Xiaomi and their SU7 Ultra, the automaker disabled 600 horsepower from the vehicle, causing an uproar among owners. While Xiaomi eventually restored the horsepower after receiving complaints, it raises concerns about the power that automakers have over the features of vehicles post-sale.
Similarly, Tesla recently decided to disable Autosteer for the Cybertruck, despite it being advertised in the owner’s manual for a year. This decision has left owners frustrated and questioning the control that automakers have over their vehicles.
As cars become more like “giant apps on wheels,” with software that can be updated remotely, it opens up a whole new realm of possibilities for automakers to alter or disable features at their discretion. This raises important questions about consumer rights and the obligations of automakers to provide the features that were promised at the time of purchase.
So, what should happen when an automaker disables a software feature via an OTA update? There should be clear guidelines and regulations in place to protect consumers from arbitrary changes to their vehicles. Automakers should be held accountable for any changes made post-sale, and there should be avenues for owners to seek restitution if promised features are taken away without justification.
Without proper oversight and regulation, automakers could continue to disable features at will, leaving consumers at the mercy of decisions made by companies. It’s crucial that steps are taken to ensure that consumers are protected and that their rights are upheld in an increasingly digital automotive landscape.