The creepy Tesla-killing AI is patented, intelligent enough to drive itself back to the dealer if car owners miss payments

FORD has filed a patent application for a system computer that can take back vehicles from drivers who fail to make financing payments on time.

The software would start with a lighter discipline that would increase in severity depending on the technology of the car and the number of late payments.

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The late payment system would start by blocking the use of small but essential features like air conditioning, power windows and GPS. The ride reports.

Ford’s patent document also mentioned playing annoying audio intended to annoy drivers bypassing payments.

The patent filing also clarified that late payments can result in a driver being granted partial access to their vehicle during the week so they can earn money on financing. insider reports.

Ford vehicles with self-driving technology pose an even greater risk to motorists who fail to hand out cash on time.

The Michigan-based automaker said its semi- and fully driverless vehicles could be moved to a location more convenient for a dealer tow truck to repossess.

Ford models with more advanced self-driving technology could be shipped to a junkyard if redemption is deemed financially unfeasible.

But the patent application isn’t just bad news for motorists.

Ford’s patent filing mentions the possibility of payment plans for cash-strapped drivers and exemptions in the event that a person is hospitalized or taken out of the country.

The patent document was sent to the United States Patent Office in August 2021 and published on February 23, according to The Drive.

Ford’s ultimate goal with the filing is to make redemption smoother for banks as interest rates on car payments have risen. The ride reports.

Cox Automotive reports that interest rates on auto loans rose by an average of 5.15 percent in December 2021 to 8.02 percent in December 2022.

Ford’s late payment technology could be installed in any future vehicle within the manufacturer’s range if the model has a data connection.

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