It turns out that more technology in cars isn’t necessarily something customers want, and it’s not really improving their driving experience. We know my thoughts on the matter, but I’ll do my best to stay impartial on this latest survey from JD Power that shows most customers don’t appreciate technology in cars unless they can see a clear benefit to them.
JD Power’s 2024 U.S. Tech Experience Index Study evaluated over 81,000 drivers’ experience with “advanced vehicle technologies” in 2024 model year vehicles after 90 days of ownership, It turned out to be a pretty mixed bag when it came to what people liked using. There are a number of tech features that customers like using because they feels that it answers their needs, but at the same time there is a whole lot that don’t get used very often or are continually annoying, according to the survey.
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Power windows, Bluetooth audio systems, seat warmers.
These are all really positive tech advancements in my lifetime.
Touch screen interfaces, power door handles (without a manual override), firmware disables features or limitations that are determined by the DLC you purchase from your dealership…
These are fucking bullshit and almost no one I know likes them.
It is insane how anti-consumer cars have gotten.
I’m fairly certain that’s illegal. In the US at least.
There have been stories that sound like it’s a thing. But those have always been people not knowing where the mechanical release is located.
Points at Tesla
They appear not to be even though it’s extremely irrational. I might clarify that I think a single mechanism should be the door release and Teslas specifically bury their manual overrides within the body of the door itself in an area that most users are unaware of.
The rear ones are, the front aren’t.
Not that this excuses the rear ones, but the front ones are so natural and obvious that if you don’t tell someone new to Tesla that it’s the manual, they’ll use it.
I have no idea why they didn’t just do the rear ones like the front.