Holy crap! I never even considered this, but it’s entirely possible for a lien holder to be given access to a self-driving car’s software for repossession.
Maybe we shouldn’t be giving them any ideas.
It functionally makes no difference.
Generally once there is a proper lien put on a car, a tracking device will be installed regardless. But even if there isn't?
That onstar button that you accidentally push once a year? That is a tracking device. Hell, many of the OTA systems used to update the infotainment system that you try to ignore in favor of android/apple auto ALSO provide tracking information.
So then it is just the matter of locking your car remotely and sending someone out or locking your car remotely and then having the car drive back to the dealer. Functionally it is a distinction without difference.
I think it was Ford that patented the tech to do it. Hence it being the subject of the comic. They already have the idea. Good thing their self driving is only approved on certain highways.
It would already be bad if they can revoke your access remotely, like making your key not work.
Companies biggest goal nowadays is to have people not actually own anything they are selling, so they can leech subscription money for self-induced necessities
"keep yourself cool in the summer! AC subscription pack for just $200/month"
Well on the upside country music is about to get a whole new topic to sing about.
🎵 Had to put down my dog and bury my wife,
But I thought I'd have my pick-up for life...🎵
new country song about how you can take my wife, take my house, take my children, but don't you dare take my emotional support truck
My truck dun gone left me
The mowers laughing at me
And now I walk
Because my truck could talk
And left me for a mazaritti.
Maybe don't buy a f9000 when you live in suburbia. Maybe don't unless you need it for your job...
Don't worry, we didn't give them the idea. Ford filed for a patent to do exactly this in 2021 and published it in 2023.
https://www.npr.org/2023/03/03/1160932390/ford-patent-repossession-self-driving-cars
Even if you dont live in suburbia very few people need these trucks (a comment which enrages a shocking number of people)
I know this because I own 20+ chickens, 6 ducks, 12 goats, 3 dogs, and the neighborhood cat decided he's mine (and the land to go with it obviously), and I've managed to do everything needed for all those animals with a 2018 Nissan Leaf! Not only not a truck, but an EV with half the range of a modern one!
I'm planning to rent a pickup truck for a day in a weekend or two so I can haul away this old shed that fell apart and some other somewhat big stuff while I've got it there. In 3 years of being here with these animals that's 1 time I've needed a vehicle that could haul, and it's a $30 rental for the day I need it
This applies to any kind of car, not just trucks.
