187sks

It doesn't have a gun turret with automatic targeting to clear the road of hazards either.



I didn't say every backup camera could be had for less than $100 retail. Just saying that including a camera doesn't have to be expensive, especially with the quantities involved.

i8acobra

OEM's are not going to install cameras held on by license plate bolts and monitors velcro'ed to the dash.

187sks

And they don't need to. They run one extra cable to the back. Design their bumper with an extra hole in it. Run the feed to their already existing (in most cases) dash screen. Include an extra video input on the board for the screen. Update the software to also be able to show this input.



Hardware list:

18 feet of cable

One camera

One additional video input on circuit board



Buy these items in packs of 50,000 and I'll bet the total cost would be under $50 per installed unit even with a HD infrared capable camera.

pas1216

if it cost's the manufacturer $50 to add a camera, you can bet the cost to the consumer would be $250+

i8acobra

Hahahahahaha!!!! You have an extremely simplistic view of how R&D works. If there's a problem with the camera, it needs to be diagnosable. That means it has to be integrated into the CAN BUS system. At Nissan, our cars have several different stereo systems. Some are made by Hitachi. Some are made by Bosch. We have at least a dozen different models of each. There are 4 different stereo part #'s just for Altimas. Each one needs to be redesigned internally, not to mention the case needs to be redesigned. The tooling that stamps the cases needs to be remade. Then, new part numbers need to be created, parts systems need to be updated, diagnostic software and service manuals need to be updated, etc... This is not Best Buy. We don't just zip tie a cable under the carpet, tap into an accessory circuit and plug an RCA cable in the back.

WytchDctr

They could always just bolt one of those mirrors you see on postal trucks. No need for messing with the CAN system.. just a few bolts.. maybe a washer or two. Done.

187sks

Profit margin is entirely in the hands of the automaker.



There are 4 years until this goes into effect. What you're saying would be true if they had to implement the cameras into the current system. I doubt that most of the current entertainment systems will still be in use in 4 years, so adding the additional input will be as easy as it sounds as it's taken into account during the design process before tooling is fabricated, cases designed, etc.



It does not need to be integrated into the CAN-BUS network. Granted in most cases it probably will be, but it doesn't have to be.



Dinner can cost $250 at a nice restaurant or it can cost $2.50 at the golden arches. It doesn't mean that two McDoubles isn't still dinner just because someone chooses to spend $250.

i8acobra

Yes, it does need to be integrated. If it's not, that defeats the purpose of the CAN system. ALL features on new cars are part of the CAN system. The systems also need to be warrantied, which means they need to last. Eat nothing but McDoubles for a year and see how you feel. You're not gonna win this argument. I work on new Nissan's for a living. I see the insides of these systems every day. There's no way to just "plug in a camera".

Stocker

Yet. You forgot to add, "Yet." In 4 years the systems will have been largely redesigned for new models in most cases. Cameras are increasingly optional or even standard equipment from the OEMs. This requirement is probably not throwing a wrench in anyone's design plans.

i8acobra

Nobody said anything about throwing a wrench in the design plans. OEM's have known for years this was coming. This doesn't change the fact that these added things need to be paid for. the cost isn't just the camera. The cost is the camera, plus all of the support costs.