May 2017 SDADA Column

Relying on the government to protect your privacy is like asking a peeping tom to install your window blinds.

– John Perry Barlow

New technology related to connected cars is evolving quickly. Many of the new features associated with this connectivity require new types of data, which puts privacy in the spotlight for manufacturers, government and consumers. Needless to say, that means that the dealers need to be on top of the issue as well.

When that vehicle is traded and that info remains, both the customer and the dealer remain at risk. Do you have a procedure for deleting the info from a trade?

The Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) and the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) released a first-of-its kind consumer guide, Personal Data In Your Car. The Guide helps consumers understand the kind of personal information collected by the latest generation of vehicles, which use data to further safety, infotainment and customer experience.

The Guide describes several components that are integral to properly protecting consumer data. For example, services that collect and share personal information should be accompanied by a clear privacy policy. The reality is that yes, cars are starting to know more about you, but what it knows may save your life.

Personal Data In Your Car highlights that nearly all leading automakers have committed to protecting consumer information by committing to the Automotive Privacy Principles. These Principles guide privacy practices in the automotive industry. They went into effect beginning with model year 2017 vehicles and for subscription services beginning on January 2, 2016.

This guide will help you and your customer protect their private information.



Help With Technology and Safety Features

As dealers, we have seen the safety features expand quickly in the past few years. Features that have been around for some time are getting smarter and changing into new features entirely. We know that some can now even take over our cars to help us avoid crashes! We also know that the delivery process and explanation of these new technologies can be overwhelming for both the customer and the dealership personnel.

MyCarDoesWhat.org will help your customer understand how these features work, when they should be used, whether or not they have them in their vehicle, and other information about the safety technology in their vehicle. The goal of the campaign is to explain to drivers how best to use these safety technologies, leading to safer driving.

You may want to consider referring your customers to this website when they take delivery of their new vehicle as a supplement to the delivery process.


MyDealership.org

MyDealership.org is a digital media initiative by NADA designed to show the benefits of local dealerships to consumers, local communities, and car manufacturers. The site details how consumers benefit when local dealerships compete for their business, how local communities benefit from the 1.1 million plus jobs created by local dealerships and how manufacturers benefit from the free distribution and massive competition dealerships create for their products.

There is great content available on MyDealership.org to share with your customer via your dealership website or social media. I strongly encourage you to check it out!