Future models will have options activated at the dealers.

[desertstorm]

I think there is some relevent points in this thread. I can see the merits behind simplifying the amountb of build options that the manufacturer has to do. By providing some extra equipment / functionality in some cars this will probably result in the manufacturer saving money. They already do it with engines to a certain extent, on some models there are 2 or 3 different specs of engine that vary only in the ECU mapping. I would expect that VCDS may not have the ability to enable some of this extra functionality it would be done in a similar way to how the component protection works. So upgrades could only be done by dealers or specialists with access to the dealer network.

 

[josul]

l dont get what you mean by the norm

As in, like the majority of manufacturers selling packages limiting choice. Choice is what their customers have come to expect and some demand. It would maintain the distinction between premium and others. The "fashion conscious/badge snobs" love the fact that their car is being custom built and not just brought to site from a yard full of pre built cars. 98% of them (like me) might just tick the grey colour option but thats a different story!

 

[Jassyo06]

So again lots of comments, speculation, disagreements etc. What is happening to this forum ???, surely we can all have an opinion without it getting personal.
As stated in my first post I think fitting hardware options to all cars is a bit b******, It wouldn't make financial sense IMO.
Remember as technology is advancing it is also getting cheaper. My first laptop cost £1500 and I now have one with more features and power for less than the cost of a weekend p*** up. As all cars will be electric in the future it would make sense, IMO, to fit all options that are PROGRAMABLE to the models.
Now where's my popcorn ?

But you and l won't need to worry about this, coz it ain't going to happen in our lifetime lol

 

[Jassyo06]

As in, like the majority of manufacturers selling packages limiting choice. Choice is what their customers have come to expect and some demand. It would maintain the distinction between premium and others. The "fashion conscious/badge snobs" love the fact that their car is being custom built and not just brought to site from a yard full of pre built cars. 98% of them (like me) might just tick the grey colour option but thats a different story!

What specific Car makers are limiting option choices ?
Definitely not BMW/Mini
Nor Fiat nor Ford there option lists are growing ie paint choices, alloy interior trims etc etc

 

[josul]

What specific Car makers are limiting option choices ?
Definitely not BMW/Mini
Nor Fiat nor Ford there option lists are growing ie paint choices, alloy interior trims etc etc

At the moment I can select from a list of every option, and I dont think this list changes much from SE to RS, my choices are endless. If they introduce two packages with a subset of options available to choose from on top of these packages (see Flying Scotsman's description of North America's market) then this results in my choices being limited. Or have I read that wrong?

 

[Flying Scotsman]

At the moment I can select from a list of every option, and I dont think this list changes much from SE to RS, my choices are endless. If they introduce two packages with a subset of options available to choose from on top of these packages (see Flying Scotsman's description of North America's market) then this results in my choices being limited. Or have I read that wrong?

Yes, you are limited in what you want to spec, but there is one advantage. If, you total up a fair list of options on a base car and then look at one of the two package package prices with the same items as a comparison. The custom built car costs a lot more, yes, you may get some unwanted goodies but the package price does allow you to possibly option in some goodies you really desire.
Not to contradict myself from what I stated previously as the package price on my S3 had one thing I did not want, a pano roof but in fact I am glad that it is on my car now. My real issue was I was forced to buy the premium option package to get the B&O sound system along with some nanny aids, VC and other stuff I did not want.
When I compared North American BMW and Mercedes pricing the total cost was ridiculous as their option packages on top of the base car cost were very expensive and had a lot of items I did not want. The Audi North American two package system with then options is a way better method with the caveat I mentioned on the sound system as I have to suffer with the lower quality Audi sound system

 

[Jcbmally]

But you and l won't need to worry about this, coz it ain't going to happen in our lifetime lol

Haha, I will give up driving by then and get the kids or grandkids to ferry me about, payback is a bitch.

 

[josul]

Yes, you are limited in what you want to spec, but there is one advantage...

Thanks, yeah just depends on what you want as to if they end up working out for you.

The way we buy things now; over the Internet, subscriptions, apps and add ons. Being able to enable/disable options fits very well with these. Also there could be benefits with fleet and contract markets on top of after sales.

But maybe @jassyo06 is right, we will never see something like this in our lifetime. Lets face it they cant set up a payment system for Audi Connect or whatever you call the thing I keep having to renew to get Google maps back. Not that I am hoping they do sort that out!

 

[Jassyo06]

Yes, you are limited in what you want to spec, but there is one advantage. If, you total up a fair list of options on a base car and then look at one of the two package package prices with the same items as a comparison. The custom built car costs a lot more, yes, you may get some unwanted goodies but the package price does allow you to possibly option in some goodies you really desire.
Not to contradict myself from what I stated previously as the package price on my S3 had one thing I did not want, a pano roof but in fact I am glad that it is on my car now. My real issue was I was forced to buy the premium option package to get the B&O sound system along with some nanny aids, VC and other stuff I did not want.
When I compared North American BMW and Mercedes pricing the total cost was ridiculous as their option packages on top of the base car cost were very expensive and had a lot of items I did not want. The Audi North American two package system with then options is a way better method with the caveat I mentioned on the sound system as I have to suffer with the lower quality Audi sound system

Australia has a almost identical options packages as North America even Japan= maybe its because they are larger markets

 

[Bristle Hound]

Just to throw a different opinion in here

Why not buy a car thats fully loaded as standard in the 1st place?
Altho I do appreciate most car manufacturers have cottoned on to the options list thats longer than your arm thing
After all business is business

MINI started it & everyones else has followed on IMHO

As always, just my opinion of course ...

 

[Q5-John]

Australia has a almost identical options packages as North America even Japan= maybe its because they are larger markets

I worked in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and the market there is the same but tiny. Only 2 or three spec levels normally mid and highline (Sport and S Line). All models get electric seats leather and Tech Pack. Top model gets the sunroof and uprated stereo. Metallic paint free. Interestingly the prices are from £40 to 48,000 for a new car so not much different from here when we have 20% VAT and they have 5%
You can walk into a showroom and buy a new car and it will be available within about 3 days from a compound. Nobody out there wants to wait to buy a car and dealers have to have large stockpile of cars