General Motors is warning Chevrolet Corvette buyers and owners not to use
one of the car's most exotic high-tech features because it could inadvertently
result in committing a crime in some states.
The "Valet Mode" is a feature of the Performance Data Recorder in
the 2015 Corvette. It allows owners to secretly record conversations in their
cars and performance data when they're not along for the ride, such as when the
car is being parked by a valet.
Besides recording conversations, Valet Mode also shows how the car was
driven while in the hands of another. It disables the entertainment system and
locks storage compartments to deter thefts. Valet Mode is just one part of the
Performance Data Recorder, which has the main purpose of being a fun way for
owners to make video and audio recordings of their drives in a Corvette,
including their choice of some of the car's performance indicators.
Unfortunately, a very short time ago, GM discovered that secret recordings are
illegal in many states, so last week it posted a notice explaining the problem on
CorvetteForum.com:
From GM:
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
General Motors is warning Chevrolet Corvette buyers and owners not to use
one of the car's most exotic high-tech features because it could inadvertently
result in committing a crime in some states.
