​Problems With The Corvette's Valet Mode

[GradyPhilpott]

The new Valet Mode is a clever device, but using it without getting permission from occupants of the car can lead to legal problems.

Valet Mode Commercial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeO2dxH9tUI

Jalopnik article: http://jalopnik.com/you-can-accident...tte-1639302406

Letter to Chevy dealers:

Attention: General Manager, Service Advisor, Service Manager, Parts and Service Director, Parts Manager, New Vehicle Sales Manager, and Warranty Administrator

This notice is being sent to you regarding 2015 model year Corvettes equipped with the

Performance Data Recorder (UQT).

The Performance Data Recorder (UQT) in these vehicles, when used in Valet Mode, allows a customer to record the driving of their Corvette when the vehicle is not in their control. In Valet Mode, the PDR will also record activity and conversations that take place in the vehicle.

To help our customers use the Performance Data Recorder (UQT) consistent with legal requirements that pertain to audio recording devices, we will be requiring a very important update to the system of each affected vehicle in the near future. We expect that the update will be available early next month. At that time, we will provide details about the update and let you know what steps you need to take, if any, to complete the update for vehicles in your inventory.

In the meantime, you must advise any customers who take delivery of an impacted vehicle that they should refrain from using the Valet Mode until the update takes place. If they do use the Valet Mode, they should (i) notify any occupants of the vehicle that they will be recorded while in the vehicle, and (ii) obtain their consent to this recording. It is very important that you explain this to each customer at the time of delivery.

Attached is a copy of a written communication for you to provide to customers to accomplish this notice. We are sending the same communication to customers who have already taken delivery of a Corvette vehicle equipped with PDR.

We greatly appreciate your cooperation in conveying this important information to your customers.

http://jalopnik.com/you-can-accident...tte-1639302406

Apparently, this feature was not fully considered by the Chevy legal team.

http://www.engadget.com/2014/09/27/c...t-mode-felony/

http://www.autonews.com/article/2014...may-be-illegal

http://www.corvetteblogger.com/2014/...egal-concerns/

Google Search

[Kingair]

If my car has it installed . . . I use it !

[seand442]

From the same group of lawyers that would probably sue a business owner because his clients were caught on audio and video breaking into the aforementioned business on the grounds they didn't give consent to be recorded.

[GB-man]

Haha love it. Only problem is porsche would call it VMR and it would be a $3700 option

[zama]

We don't do valet or corvette in this part of the world so wont be a problem I have soon.

[SUBversive]

Bueller?

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by SUBversive

Bueller?

exactly what went through my mind when reading about this.

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

exactly what went through my mind when reading about this.

Great . . . . but that was a Spaghetti Rocket

[Tri-Tip]

What, no video recording to go along with the audio???

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by Tri-Tip

What, no video recording to go along with the audio???

"...records video, audio, and even vehicle data...."--1:06

[Tri-Tip]

I stand corrected!

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by Tri-Tip

I stand corrected!

[1000ft=300m]

Does anyone ever really NEED valet parking? I suppose I have never lived in a part of the world where that's the norm...