- Boring Business Nerd
- Posts
- Car Tech is Reverting to Buttons
Car Tech is Reverting to Buttons
Automakers are pressing rewind to save money and keep things practical.
Kieran Ryan
March 10, 2025
TODAY’S STORY
Volkswagen is bringing back physical buttons to all its vehicles, calling its pivot to touch screens in recent years a mistake. The change will apply to key functions: volume control, individual heating for each side of the car, the fans, and hazard lights.
The decision is logical from both a performance and cost standpoint.
A 2022 study found that traditional buttons were more efficient for drivers to complete simple tasks—such as tuning the radio or adjusting the temperature.
Meanwhile, technology’s rapid integration into modern vehicles significantly increases research and development expenses for automakers. Between 2015 and 2023, R&D costs and capital spending for the top 25 automotive companies rose by 33%, climbing from approximately $200 billion to $266 billion.
Tesla is also reintroducing physical controls, including a column-mounted stalk for turn signals in the recently refreshed Model Y.
Automakers are pressing rewind to save money and keep things practical—bringing back physical buttons might be the right switch.
OUR PICKS
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. Tonight’s good sleep starts here.
One of the best first apartment or new home essentials gifts for a bedroom, guest bedroom, college dorm, or house decor. 25% off for a limited time.*
2. Alexa fits your vibe.
This compact smart speaker with Alexa features a full sound that’s great for bedrooms and small spaces. Small enough to blend in and mighty enough to stand out.*
3. Coffee with a boost.
It all starts with rich, bold Starbucks coffee blended with vanilla flavor. Drink up. Then own the day.*
#SHORTS
The job market is weaker than it seems
@boringbusinesskieran The job market is weaker than it seems 📉 #business #jobs #career #college #newgrad
PREVIOUS STORIES
Fed-Up Gig Workers Fight Back — Gig workers earned less on average in 2024—despite working more hours.
When Stores Run Out of Stuff — Out of a sample of 30 retailers, only 9% of their online assortment was available in stores.
How TJX Benefits from Market Chaos — Amidst the chaotic market conditions, off-price retail giant TJX Companies is poised to benefit.
How AI is really used — Anthropic just revealed the clearest picture yet of how AI is incorporated into real-world tasks across the modern economy.
Will Musk Cut Consulting’s Government Cash? — Musk, his allies, and consultants come from very different worlds.
To read the web version of previous stories, click here.
If you have any comments or feedback, just respond to this email.
Thanks for reading,
Kieran & Justin Ryan
