You might not think so, but the profit margin on new cars is surprisingly thin. Execs will debate adding features that cost even a tiny amount per vehicle, because those costs add up. You can’t just say “well, fine, make the car more expensive, then” because soon you’ll price yourself out of reach of your target market. Competitors will rush to fill in the vacuum you’ve created, and then you’re screwed.

Manufacturers would cut every corner possible if they could, just to save a few cents per vehicle. That’s why things like safety regulations have to exist. Capitalism is utterly ruthless, amoral, and must always be kept in check. When corporations and money are involved, the “right thing” is not what you and I think it should be. The “right thing” is ALWAYS making more money.