I completely disagree about the safety aspect, but I did want to raise a point about deletion being cheaper.
While it may seem obvious, it could also be more expensive for the manufacturer. For example, it might seem that removing a headrest would save costs right? No headrest, money can be saved not buying one.
Except that these are bought in bulk, and are therefore cheaper than buying individually. By having so many options of deletion/addition, it may incur an extra cost for any excess that needs to be disposed of.
Of course, the extras may be put on another model that asks for it or they may need to store it. If not used then and there, then it could be sold to people who already own the particular vehicle in question that are looking for replacements (or an aftermarket supplier or dealer that stockpiles parts etc). However, that would mean it needs to be stored, whether that be on site or, if off site then transported to said location. These parts also need to be maintained in a saleable condition - some may not require supervision or preparation before sale, others may require a great deal. The site where they are stored also has to be secured and all inventory within organised.
That is not a simple job, and the above requires quite a bit of peoplepower. All of whom (packers/movers/drivers/organisers/managers/HR/security etc etc) have to be paid.
That is what they always say but I think it's just old school cop out. With technology today it shouldn't cost more to institute and apply the change.
We're not talking about lowering the bulk amount enough to change any discount rate for quantities. Would't be but 10-20 max people would delete as most people buying new cars like lots of items...so it would just be reduced cost of fewer items.
I think most of it is just that they went this way in the 80s with option packages all coming in a set and they are set in their ways and just don't want to change the way it is done.