Sooner or later, auto lenders may not have to name the repo man when their prospects cease making funds.

As an alternative, the automobile may simply drive itself to an impound lot, in accordance with a patent utility filed by Ford Motor Co. engineers.

The patent utility lists quite a few strategies that might be used to shake down prospects, beginning with reminders and warnings despatched to the car show or a smartphone. Additional nonpayment may result in some options being disabled, together with cruise management, window and seat controls, the infotainment system and local weather management. The car finally may lock out the client or play an “incessant and ugly sound” each time the proprietor is inside it.

The applying, first reported final week by The Drive, notes that there might be a approach to unlock the car in case of emergency. An onboard digital camera and “neural community” could be used to find out if the scenario is pressing. The system might be used on any car with an information connection, in accordance with the submitting, although there isn’t a indication of whether or not Ford intends to take action. Automakers usually file patent functions for know-how they haven’t any concrete plans to make use of.