Car technology is supposed to make driving safer, smoother, and more enjoyable. But Stellantis, the parent company of Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, and Ram, seems to have taken a different approach—one that prioritizes ad revenue over user experience.
In a move that has left drivers both frustrated and bewildered, Stellantis has introduced full-screen pop-up ads on its infotainment systems. Specifically, Jeep owners have reported being bombarded with advertisements for Mopar’s extended warranty service. The kicker? These ads appear every time the vehicle comes to a stop
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One Jeep 4xe owner recently shared their frustration on an online forum, detailing how these pop-ups disrupt the driving experience. Stellantis, responding through their “JeepCares” representative, confirmed that these ads are part of the contractual agreement with SiriusXM and suggested that users simply tap the “X” to dismiss them.
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A Symptom of a Bigger Problem: Subscription Fatigue
The automotive industry is heading into murky waters with the increasing push toward subscription-based features. BMW tried charging for heated seats. Mercedes locked performance boosts behind a paywall. Now, Stellantis has decided to monetize its infotainment screens with intrusive advertising.
It’s a trend that consumers are growing increasingly tired of. New vehicles already come with a hefty price tag—averaging $48,700 in 2024—so the expectation is that premium pricing should come with a premium experience, not one riddled with ads and additional fees. Instead of making customers feel like valued buyers, automakers are making them feel like they’re merely users in an ad-supported ecosystem.
The Off-Roading Community’s Response: “AdBlock for Jeeps?”
The off-roading community has always been passionate about modifying their vehicles, but no one expected that “blocking ads” would become a must-have Jeep upgrade. Some tech-savvy drivers are already exploring ways to disable these pop-ups permanently, with discussions surfacing about potential software hacks or third-party solutions to remove intrusive in-car advertising.
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Source: Stellantis Introduces Pop-Up Ads in Vehicles, Sparking Outrage Among Owners – TechStory
Robin Edgar
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