Automakers are investing heavily in the development of new technologies to keep vehicles safe and advanced. The rise in the number of subprime auto loans has forced lenders to use a new technology, Remote Vehicle Shutdown, which allows them to remotely turn off a car’s ignition when a borrower falls behind in their payments. payments. Not only auto lenders, police also use remote vehicle arrest technology in the United States. It allows them to stop hunting at high speed from a distance.
Automatic remote vehicle stop technology
In 2009, General Motors planned to equip this system in 1.7 million new cars, allowing prosecution offices to request that the engines of stolen cars be turned off remotely using the OnStar mobile communication system.
With a built-in global tracking device, Onstar helps police find stolen cars by allowing owners to turn off their cars’ engines. However, the police can only request a stop when they have a vehicle in sight. An Onstar operator will inform suspects initially that the engine is about to stop. However, the brakes and power steering will still work.
In 2014, remote vehicle shutdown or starter switch devices were installed on approximately 2 million vehicles in the United States. This system can be activated from a mobile phone application. This gives banks and credit unions an extra layer of security when lending to borrowers.
But, the technology could also raise privacy concerns. According to the New York Times, some borrowers say their cars were deactivated when they were only a few days behind on their payments. Few reports, their cars have been stopped while idling at traffic lights. Some mentioned that they could not take their children to school or their parents to doctor’s appointments. With cars stopped without warning, the borrower could lead to accidents.
