Ferrari CEO Admits Touch Controls are 50% Cheaper to Produce | TechRider

Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna has revealed that touch controls are significantly cheaper to produce than traditional physical buttons, by approximately 50 percent. The admission, made during an interview with Autocar India, marks a rare instance of a major automaker publicly acknowledging the cost-saving rationale behind a trend that has drawn criticism from drivers and automotive enthusiasts.

Vigna explained that touch controls represent a financial advantage for suppliers, directly impacting production costs. “Touch buttons are something created in the advantage of the supplier,” he stated, according to reporting from The Drive. The shift towards touch-based interfaces has been widespread across the automotive industry in recent years, often justified on grounds of design and technological advancement.

The Ferrari CEO’s comments come as automakers face increasing scrutiny over the usability and safety of touch-based controls. Critics argue that relying on touchscreens for essential functions can distract drivers and increase the risk of accidents, particularly compared to the tactile feedback and intuitive operation of physical buttons and knobs.

While Ferrari has embraced touch controls in some of its newer models, Vigna’s statement suggests that cost considerations are a substantial driver of this design choice. The company has not indicated any plans to revert to physical controls, despite the ongoing debate surrounding their merits.

News of Vigna’s comments also follows reports that Ferrari is seeing growth potential in the Indian market. The CEO recently stated the company anticipates opportunities for expansion in India, according to Autocar India, though no specific timelines or investment plans were disclosed.