Even more importantly: Why is America still stuck with cars that honk when they're locked and that have indicator lights flashing in the same color as the tail-lights? One is a nuisance, the other one a straight-up safety issue.
I'd be interested in more context on that.
I have encountered situations where I might need to operate the locks without being immediately in line-of-sight, like when I leave the vehicle before other passengers, someone else needs to get something out of the vehicle, etc.
The noise only happens if you want it to, anyway. All of the US manufacturers who add that feature only make it occur if you press the button 2x in succession.
Being able to make your car honk from your remote is magic to someone like my that always forgets where the car was parked. I’ve tried to see if I could turn that feature on on cars in Europe but so far, no luck.
They aren't red indicators, the car just flashes the brake lights. There's no difference for the observer between indicating and a dodgy connection.
I've never encountered a car in the US that honks when they're locked the first time -- but many domestic models honk when you lock them twice in quick succession. Many people like the feature, for audible confirmation that the vehicle is locked, or finding your car in a parking lot. Abusing the feature is also a suburban dad pastime.
> have indicator lights flashing in the same color as the tail-lights
This one is a safety issue, and even US regulators own data shows that amber lights are safer. However, the US does have a minimum lamp size regulation that most other countries don't. I guess the original idea was to allow the combination of the two lights in exchange for a larger minimum lamp size.
There's security arguments for having it (i.e. confirming locking/detecting jamming) but pretending people cannot see you or otherwise hear you, but can hear a single honk isn't a realistic set of seemingly contradictory circumstances.
First press: locks car and flashes hazards, with no sound.
Second press within a couple of seconds: honks horn.
If no flash and no sound: a door is open and it's refusing to lock.
Most of the time I don't annoy anyone, but when I lose it in a car park I can get it to honk at me. Why is this so hard for other manufacturers?
Saving lives is less important than a companies bottom line.