Why Can't I Get a Car Without an Infotainment System if I Pay Extra?
When shopping for a car, you might have noticed that even when you pay extra for a model without an infotainment system, modern vehicles often come equipped with one. This trend is driven by several factors, including consumer demand, safety regulations, and cost efficiency. This article will explore these factors and explain why it can be challenging to find a car without an infotainment system, even if you pay extra for it.
Consumer Demand
Many modern car buyers prefer vehicles that come equipped with advanced technology, including infotainment systems. These systems offer connectivity, navigation, and entertainment features that enhance a driver's experience on the road. According to Autobytel, some 70% of new cars sold in the U.S. come with infotainment systems, indicating a strong demand for this technology among consumers.
Safety Regulations
Several safety features are now integrated into infotainment systems. Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) are common features in modern infotainment systems, providing enhanced safety and convenience for drivers. Automakers often bundle these systems to ensure compliance with safety standards set by regulatory bodies such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the European Union’s New CAR-TESTING-Procedures (NCAP).
Cost Efficiency
Manufacturers often streamline their production processes by standardizing features across different models. Producing cars with an infotainment system can be more cost-effective than creating separate versions without it. According to Autoblog, the cost of adding an infotainment system can vary, but it can be a significant reduction in overall production costs.
Market Trends
As technology advances, consumers expect vehicles to have screens and connectivity options. Automakers are aligning with these market expectations by phasing out non-infotainment options from their product lines. With the rise of smart technology in cars, older models without screens or basic infotainment systems are becoming increasingly rare in new vehicle offerings.
Manufacturing and Complexities
When a car lacks an infotainment system, it can complicate the manufacturing process. The developer and designer considerations are numerous. For example, you may require unique parts for the infotainment portal, including a blanking plate and different methods of accessing menus that are typically operated with the central infotainment screen. Today, it is nearly impossible to remove the infotainment system without causing significant issues to the vehicle's CAN bus and other electronics systems. The development and tooling for parts can cost millions, making it unfeasible without a large customer base.
Regulatory Requirements
In some jurisdictions, a radio receiver is also mandated. Removing or replacing the infotainment system without these regulatory components could lead to legal and safety compliance issues.
Conclusion
To avoid such complexity, it is easier for automakers to produce vehicles with infotainment systems as a standard feature. While this trend limits the options for buyers who prefer simpler, non-infotainment systems, it is largely due to the complexity and cost considerations involved in producing cars without these modern features. If you're looking for a vehicle without an infotainment system, consider older models or specific brands that still offer more basic configurations, though these options are becoming increasingly rare in new vehicle offerings.