Ford Gets Patent for Tech That Can Shut Down a Vehicle

Editor's Note: Ford issued a statement on Aug. 23, saying it's no longer pursuing the patent application or the idea behind it.

Ford has been granted a patent for a technology that permits the shutdown of air conditioning, radio, cruise control and other systems for safety concerns or even nonpayment of car loans.

The technology could even enable remote control of any upcoming model connected to the internet, such as moving a car for tow pickup or self-driving it to a junkyard in the case of an autonomous vehicle, according to an earlier article in The Drive.

The patent filing suggests that future technology could make the vehicle produce a continuous and unpleasant noise until the owner takes action to address the issue, according to an Automotive News article.

Ford originally applied for the patent in August 2021 in an application titled, “Systems and Methods to Repossess a Vehicle.” The automaker formally published its application in February of this year.

Consumer advocates have criticized the technology as an overreach, noted Automotive News. But in a Bloomberg article, Ford indicated it has no current plans to use the innovative technology.

Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today