--- title: "Ford Abandons Effort to Patent Self-Repossessing Cars, at Least for Now" description: "We're safe from Fords loading themselves onto tow trucks, as the automaker has allowed its controversial patent application to lapse." date: "2024-01-17" modified: "2024-01-17" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/ford-abandons-self-repossessing-car-tech-at-least-for-now" categories: - "Car Tech" - "Ford News" - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Patents" tags: - "Ford" --- # Ford Abandons Effort to Patent Self-Repossessing Cars, at Least for Now ![]() *Ford \via Ford\* In March of last year, an eyebrow-raising [Ford]() patent application surfaced for a technology that would allow the brand's vehicles to [repossess themselves](). Essentially, if you missed the payments on a Ford with any sort of [autonomous]() or semi-autonomous driving capability, your car would get up and walk out of your driveway on its own and call a tow truck. However, it seems that Ford decided to ice its plans for self-repo technology, as the patent's status is now listed as "abandoned." According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), [Ford's self-repo patent]() submission was abandoned due to "Failure to Respond to an Office Action" on October 20, 2023. It seems like the automaker just let it expire. Perhaps Ford saw some of the public backlash following the initial unearthing of the application, as many people felt the technology was a bit *too* dystopian. ![]() **Ford, The Drive** The proposal was designed to make repossession easier for both Ford and lienholders, and it's theoretically possible on any Ford with an infotainment system that supports [over-the-air updates](). If the car were to have autonomous capability, then Ford would be able to let it drive itself from its first location, such as the owner's driveway, to a more accessible location for a tow truck, such as the side of a street. It could even drive itself to a junkyard if necessary. For cars that can't drive themselves, the software could just immobilize the vehicle, preventing the owner from driving it and keeping it in one spot for the tow truck. It's also entirely possible that Ford was never sweet on the idea of self-repossessing cars anyway. Car companies regularly file patents for technologies they have no real intention to build, at least immediately. It's a way to keep ideas in their back pocket while they decide whether they should realize them, or wait for a more favorable public response. Whatever the reason, I think it's safe to say we're all happy this tech isn't coming to market any time soon. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()