Your new car's options now come with a monthly fee

Car buyers must now decide which connected services they want to add. Automakers are embracing a new business model that requires paid subscriptions to unlock everything from entertainment options to enhanced navigation and hands-free driving. Car buyers are open to subscription add-ons — if they get to try the services first, according to a recent S&P Global Mobility survey. Automakers savor the prospect of collecting recurring revenue from car owners by transforming their vehicles into connected tech platforms. However, consumers only have so much room in their budgets for subscriptions, and typically won't pay for features that are already available on their smartphone and can be "mirrored" on the dashboard.