FUTURE self-driving Fords could repossess themselves and drive away if drivers miss financial payments.
Ford says the system is designed to solve the issue of ‘unco-operative’ owners who have ‘disregarded’ payment notices and are impeding the ‘repossession operation’.
Future self-driving Fords could repossess themselves and drive away if they miss financial paymentsFord Motors
Security experts have warned that the system could instead be used to steal cars remotelyFord Motors
And the US automaker would begin the process by turning off ‘comfort functions’, playing noises in the car and limiting where the vehicle can drive.
But, if this fails, the car will then drive itself to the showroom or the scrapyard.
Shockingly, the system would allow the car to drive away from the owner’s property to a more accessible area, according to details in the patent, while the vehicle will be able to use its onboard sensors to detect whether or not it’s in a garage.
However, security experts have warned that the system could instead be used to steal cars remotely.
Ford submitted the patent to the United States Patent Office in August 2021 and it was awarded to them last week.
It describes Ford attempting a non-intrusive method by firstly notifying the owner of their outstanding debts by sending a message to their car.
But, if the messages are ignored, Ford will turn off functions such as the music and air conditioning.
The next step would be to play unpleasant chiming or buzzing sounds in the cabin when the driver starts the car.
And the third step is limiting access to the car on certain days and times.
The system may restrict weekend use of the vehicle but would allow the driver to commute to work in an effort not to hinder the individual’s ability to make the payments.
Ultimately, if all these steps fail, then the last action is to have the vehicle repossess itself.
It’s unclear if the proposed system will ever see the light of the day, however.
A spokesperson from Ford told The Register: “We submit patents on new inventions as a normal course of business, but they aren’t necessarily an indication of new business or product plans.