Ford seeks patent for self-repossessing auto • The Register

A patent utility from automaker Ford was revealed final week for embedded automobile techniques that facilitate an car’s repossession, together with autonomously shifting it to a repossession company.

The patent [PDF], which was initially filed in August, covers extra methods to fight non-payment. The least intrusive is a useful message delivered to the automobile or a smartphone notifying the consumer of the delinquency.

If notices go unacknowledged, the system can disable choose functionalities of the automobile and even lock the automobile out completely – save for a medical emergency the place it may probably journey to a hospital or ambulance assembly spot autonomously.

For autonomous automobiles and vehicles, why cease at rendezvousing with emergency automobiles? The patent additionally outlines the system’s functionality to maneuver that automobile to a parking spot extra handy for towing, in addition to simply relocating it off non-public property or different inaccessible areas. As talked about, it may additionally transfer itself to a repossession company or junkyard.

The patent additionally outlines a possible to lock the automobile out on weekends solely in order that the motive force can nonetheless entry a job and may have the ability to come by means of on these delinquent funds. Geofencing the car’s vary is an alternative choice.

In a extra passive aggressive case, audio inside the automobile, reminiscent of a beeping horn, chime or radio, may very well be activated remotely to bother the operator.

The choices are infinite, and the patent utility explores many. The authors argue that after warnings have been issued with no response, house owners sometimes develop into uncooperative and will impede repossession, in some instances to the purpose of confrontation.

“It’s subsequently fascinating to supply an answer to deal with this difficulty,” wrote the 4 Ford engineers.

There is no telling if Ford intends to include the software-only tech in any of its automobiles any time quickly, both manufacturing facility put in or as an over-the-air replace. The Register has requested and can report again if any substantial info arises.

Automobile repossessions are on the rise in america as increased rates of interest have an effect on month-to-month funds.

“Over the past two years, automobile costs had been inflated as a result of there was no new automotive provide, individuals had been nonetheless shopping for like loopy as a result of they’d numerous stay-at-home money, they’d inflated credit score scores, so it was like a recipe for catastrophe,” president of Worldwide Restoration Programs Jeremy Cross instructed NBC News in mid-December.

Those that purchased at inflated costs with inflated credit score scores at the moment are getting hit by that inflation, thus making a system ripe for delinquencies. ®