Toyota wants customers to pay a monthly fee to use smart technology in their cars

The era of the most advanced technologies in the automotive sector is developing with all its might. And it is not only about electric cars, but also about all the small technological innovations included in the various functions of vehicles.

However, according to the information that has now been revealed, Toyota wants customers to pay a monthly fee to use the smart technology in their cars.

Toyota wants a monthly fee to put smart technology in cars

According to recent information, Toyota wants the customer to pay for putting smart technology in their cars. The idea may sound valid, but the Japanese manufacturer is changing its strategy and creating a paid monthly subscription package where the customer pays first to access the remote start function via electronic keys.

According to The Verge, the new format is included in Toyota’s Connected Services. Thus, the company will be able to provide customers with the option to purchase these new services after purchasing a completely new vehicle. The service includes several features such as remote communication where the owners start the car remotely using the key, and the aim of this novelty is to offer “smart features” to the customer via new monthly subscription plans.

As the drive progresses, this new feature targets Toyota models starting in 2018 or later.

Currently, the Japanese brand offers free trials of the remote control function, but their duration depends on the audio package included with each car. If the customer has an Audio Plan package, they will have access to a 3-year trial, while those with an Audio Premium package will be able to enjoy the service for 10 years.

However, only a few Toyota models currently support these packages. Then, as evidenced by Toyota’s official document, customers will have to pay $8 a month or $80 a year to continue enjoying the service.

The Toyota Remote Control document also states that the service allows customers to use smartwatches, smartphones and other smart devices to start their vehicles.