What’s the Cleverest Cost-Cutting by Car Manufacturers?

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We all know manufacturers cut costs in different ways—be it removing a simple feature, using cheaper materials, or sharing parts across models. Some cost-cutting moves are painfully obvious (looking at you, missing rear wipers on a ₹15L car), while others are so clever that most buyers don’t even realize they exist.

One classic example is using a single wiper instead of two—cheaper, fewer moving parts, and often works just as well. Another is offering wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto but removing the wired option—saving on USB hardware while making it sound like an "upgrade."

Now, let’s hear from you—what do you think is or can be the most clever cost-cutting measure? Something that reduces costs but doesn’t really hinder usability or affect the overall experience? Drop your ideas!

[OC]
We all know manufacturers cut costs in different ways—be it removing a simple feature, using cheaper materials, or sharing parts across models. Some cost-cutting moves are painfully obvious (looking at you, missing rear wipers on a ₹15L car), while others are so clever that most buyers don’t even realize they exist.

One classic example is using a single wiper instead of two—cheaper, fewer moving parts, and often works just as well. Another is offering wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto but removing the wired option—saving on USB hardware while making it sound like an "upgrade."

Now, let’s hear from you—what do you think is or can be the most clever cost-cutting measure? Something that reduces costs but doesn’t really hinder usability or affect the overall experience? Drop your ideas!

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