Why not factory LEDs from the get-go?

[AK Telly]

My '21 LX AWD came w/ halogen headlights, and the lighting was very poor. So I popped in a couple Lasfit LEDs ($50/ pair) and the headlights are now great ! It's been 2 months, and I love them! My question is, why doesn't KIA just put LEDs in at the factory? It's such a low-cost change for MUCH better lighting. Is it because:
A) There's a tech reason they won't work well long term w/ my housing / electrical / whatever ?
B) It's just a marketing ploy to sell the higher trim levels which come w/ LEDs ?
C) Something else altogether I haven't even considered ?

I really like them, and I hope the answer is not "A" ......... tia.......

 

[Nac]

D) $50/pair times 10,000 cars is $500,000.....

Even if they got them at $10/pair more than the halogens, it becomes a significant cost. When trying to hit a price point the design team (or accountants) will prioritize what to make less expensive, in this case it looks like headlights were chosen.....

 

[MrSandman]

D) $50/pair times 10,000 cars is $500,000.....

Even if they got them at $10/pair more than the halogens, it becomes a significant cost. When trying to hit a price point the design team (or accountants) will prioritize what to make less expensive, in this case it looks like headlights were chosen.....

Yup. I’m sure it was in there as a default at one point in the design process but got cost reduced out.
Are the replacement ones just as good as the stock leds on the higher trims?

 

[Tellthemride]

Are the replacement ones just as good as the stock leds on the higher trims?

Improvement over halogen. But definitely not comparable to stock LED headlamps. Not to mention stock has two low beam projectors for low and sub low beams.

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[ceenote]

Im guessing im lost on this one.. i see chevy n a couple other companies do the same stuff.. lower trim get lower trim stuff including headlights... chevy lt and ltz are the same car but paying close attention some will see the difference... so many pay for that difference...