[Lexus NX News]

Automotive News tells us that all new Lexus Models will regularly report their condition to dealerships, or 'phone home'.

Starting with the 2016 ES Lexus will offer Enform Service Connect, which will bundle with the larger Enform service.

The cars will submit telematics information regarding their conditions and mileage to Lexus dealerships. Unclear if they will go to the home dealership, or any and all dealers within a certain radius.

Essentially your dealer will be able to remotely investigate a check engine light or other dire alerts on the dash. "I think this is the progression of what's expected from a luxury brand in particular," Brian Bolain, marketing manager for Lexus, told Automotive News. "There's just the expectation that you're being cared for."

Bolain went on to say, "For the person who doesn't want to view it as, 'You're being invasive,' the other person is viewing it as, 'You're watching out for me and I don't have to worry about stuff.'"

There will be no additional cost over the current Enform service. $139 per year nets you all Enform functions plus the new Service Connect.

 

[iride4u]

This has been done with many other products for years. I see it as a benefit not a detraction.

 

[mister]

As long as you can opt in and out its fine. I am always curious what they will do with all the data they collect though. hopefully just to improve service and their vehicles, not to figure better ways to sell us things.

 

[Kennedy]

I wouldn't even worry about them being invasive, since I really see nothing to worry about, if it helps the overall experience then why not?

People want luxury and this is part of it.

 

[TheLex]

I'm just wondering what the 'conditions and mileage' information encompasses besides the one listed in OP's post. My speed? Most drivers usually speed a bit above the speed limit so I'm not sure people would want that data recorded.

 

[mister]

Let's say there is a car crash, could that data be used to shift fault onto the driver potentially? I'm not saying any of this will happen, I just would want to know many more details before I agree to it.

 

[David]

Let's say there is a car crash, could that data be used to shift fault onto the driver potentially? I'm not saying any of this will happen, I just would want to know many more details before I agree to it.

Driver would only be at fault if the info fed back is what would render that to be the case especially when considering other data.

 

[TheLex]

As long as you weren't the one at fault the data shouldn't make a difference.

 

[Kennedy]

I'm starting to think in the future they'll allow you to book for service right through the APP and to do all the booking online, best way to streamline the whole thing.

 

[mister]

As long as you weren't the one at fault the data shouldn't make a difference.

I hate this argument against privacy rights. Basically, "If you don't do anything wrong, you won't have anything to worry about."

Do you ever do anything wrong? Don't you want a semblance of privacy to be able to to do things wrong that might not even be against the law?

Even if its not for crash fault, what about other behaviours in our driving could give Lexus info to change policies to get you to buy more vehicles more frequently, or example.

 

[Kennedy]

I hate this argument against privacy rights. Basically, "If you don't do anything wrong, you won't have anything to worry about."

Do you ever do anything wrong? Don't you want a semblance of privacy to be able to to do things wrong that might not even be against the law?

Even if its not for crash fault, what about other behaviours in our driving could give Lexus info to change policies to get you to buy more vehicles more frequently, or example.

Good point on them using it to get you to buy more which with infotainment systems and the future of self driving vehicles, they'll probably try to sell people on things to occupy them while the vehicle is driving itself.

 

[mister]

In one way, people may be happy to be presented with things they actually do want to buy. I am just nervous about what they can use the info for. I think there should be transparency and limits. Consent is key here.

 

[iride4u]

While this thread is interesting. Your every move is already being tracked by your cell phone. I have not checked if the NX has a black box but many vehicles do at this time. This records speed, G force, and many other variables.
This can be used by the dealer when your vehicle is brought in for service. On my motorcycles the GPS tracks many different items to include speed, max speed. Your digital cameras now track your movements welcome to the digital age. Much of this information is recoverable by law enforcement with a warrant.
On my NX I have a camera that records any time the vehicle is running. If I get into an accident there is no question who is at fault.

 

[Kennedy]

While this thread is interesting. Your every move is already being tracked by your cell phone. I have not checked if the NX has a black box but many vehicles do at this time. This records speed, G force, and many other variables.
This can be used by the dealer when your vehicle is brought in for service. On my motorcycles the GPS tracks many different items to include speed, max speed. Your digital cameras now track your movements welcome to the digital age. Much of this information is recoverable by law enforcement with a warrant.
On my NX I have a camera that records any time the vehicle is running. If I get into an accident there is no question who is at fault.

That's what i've heard a lot of, even if your data is off apparently they can still track you even without making a call or sending a text since I think when you do that the nearest tower will give away your location.

 

[mister]

While this thread is interesting. Your every move is already being tracked by your cell phone. I have not checked if the NX has a black box but many vehicles do at this time. This records speed, G force, and many other variables.
This can be used by the dealer when your vehicle is brought in for service. On my motorcycles the GPS tracks many different items to include speed, max speed. Your digital cameras now track your movements welcome to the digital age. Much of this information is recoverable by law enforcement with a warrant.
On my NX I have a camera that records any time the vehicle is running. If I get into an accident there is no question who is at fault.

Apple, however, tried to protect your data as much as possible. Google, on the other hand, sells it. And just because my phone tracks things, doesn't mean I still shouldn't be concerned about such issues.

 

[David]

I bet there are still a ton of things we don't know about how we can be tracked, things that the military, and security agencies like the CIA, Secret Service, CSIS, MI6, etc know and have access to.