Featured Next-Gen Toyotas Will Now Last for Almost a Decade

or nanocad? or any one of several other freebies?

 

I think they're just trying to keep up with other automakers and please their investors.

People buying new cars expect to see tablets screens and apps. Cars are literally becoming iPhones. That's what the customer wants, that's what Toyota will deliver.

 

Customers may not want the screen.

Mandated reverse cameras require a screen.
Moving controls to it reduces production costs.
Something that increases the manufacturer profit is sold as stylish.

 

Not all customers. But I would suspect the majority do.

One thing I wished were an option would be to put the reverse camera on part of the rearview mirror. It can be made wide enough to have both. I was in a car once that had this feature. I think it was a Cadillac. With the reverse camera screen down low often the sun hits it and it becomes difficult to see. Plus it adds another place to look at while backing up.