by In 2019, Marie Kondo’s Netflix series “Tidying Up” motivated millions of people to review their belongings at home and get rid of unnecessary items. Could this approach influence modern cars six years later?
The Slate company aims to create a car that includes only essential functional and safety elements, without extra “features.” There will be no colorful LED interior lighting, complex touchscreens, cooled seats, or cruise control systems that allow taking hands off the wheel.
Are all these conveniences really necessary?
The concept goes even further. The base version of the Slate pickup lacks a radio, speakers, and has manual window cranks. Most features common in modern cars are available only for an additional fee.
Thanks to the minimal equipment, the manufacturer plans to set the price at $28,000, which could drop to $20,000 considering tax benefits by the start of production next year.
The philosophy of the Dacia brand with minimalist cars has already gained popularity in Europe. In the US, where this brand is not represented, the idea of simplified models like the Slate is also attracting the attention of car enthusiasts.
This makes one wonder – should other manufacturers offer more Spartan versions of cars with a minimum of electronics even in base trims?
Fully equipped Maverick XL
Even in the most affordable $24,000 Maverick XL version, one can find many unnecessary features. Despite modest equipment compared to top versions, it includes air conditioning, power locks, cruise control, Bluetooth, an 8-inch screen, an electronic parking brake, and LED headlights.
For automakers, it is often more profitable to install additional features in base models and then offer their activation via subscription than to develop simplified analogs.
When mirrors were an option
The situation was different before. Although the equipment level logically increased, in the 1980s-1990s manufacturers more often offered truly basic versions. For example, some BMWs 40 years ago were sold with a manual transmission, cloth seats, no radio, and only one mirror.
Perhaps today automakers are simply following demand, as most customers prefer comfortable options. Are you ready to give up some of the Maverick XL’s features for a price reduction to $20,000? Or do you believe that a touchscreen, Bluetooth, or cruise control should be standard for any car?
