Autonomous Vehicles Owned by Ford Given Potential for Self-Repossession in Patent Bid
Ford Abandons Plans for Self-Repossessing Vehicles... for Now
In a surprising turn of events, Ford has recently filed a patent application for vehicles that could self-repossess if owners fail to make payments. However, as of August 2025, Ford has reportedly abandoned its effort to patent this technology, at least for now.
The initial idea involved a system where a computer communicates with the driver's smartphone or car computer to facilitate self-repossession. If a driver falls behind on car payments, they would receive notices via their infotainment system screen. In case of delinquency, the technology would allow Ford vehicles to repossess themselves.
If these measures fail, the vehicle could be locked out, with the lockout condition potentially being enforced variably. The patent includes safeguards against owner defenses, such as locking the vehicle in a closed garage, that would automatically notify the police. If the driver fails to respond, the vehicle could disable its air conditioning, automated key, GPS, or music system. In extreme cases, the vehicle could drive itself all the way back to the dealership it was purchased from, or to a nearby impound lot or scrap yard, depending on the vehicle's value.
It's worth noting that companies often file and abandon patent applications as part of their strategic development processes. This does not necessarily mean the concept will never be revisited in the future.
The patent, titled "Systems and Methods to Repossess a Vehicle," was published by the U.S. Patent Office last Thursday. The patent proposes versions of the technology for both semi-autonomous and fully autonomous cars. In semi-autonomous vehicles, the car would move a short distance to be more easily towed away by a repo company.
This development comes after Ford previously aimed to build the biggest self-driving car fleet in the world, but announced it was abandoning its goal of fully self-driving cars in October 2022. Ford has also filed patents to bring billboards inside your car and build vehicles with detachable motorcycles. Moreover, Ford has filed a patent for an autonomous police car that uses AI to more effectively hide from and catch "violators of traffic laws." The patent also suggests activating an incessant and unpleasant sound in the vehicle when the owner is present.
This potential technology, if implemented, would represent an extension of private companies' influence over day-to-day lives. However, with Ford abandoning its plans for self-repossessing vehicles, it remains to be seen if and when this technology will become a reality.
- The tech industry witnessed an intriguing move by Ford, as they filed a patent for self-repossessing vehicles, aiming to control vehicles that owners fail to pay for.
- The Gizmodo report on Ford's future plans highlighted the tech giant's intention to develop a system that allows vehicles to repossess themselves in case of delinquency.
- The business world is closely watching the automotive industry, as Ford's self-repossessing vehicle technology could potentially reshape the finance sector in the future.
- The abandonment of Ford's self-repossessing vehicle patent application by August 2025 raises questions about the future of technology's role in the transportation industry.
- The technology sector is constantly evolving, with Ford's self-repossessing vehicle concept being just one of many patents they've filed, such as autonomous police cars and billboards inside cars.
