The study specifically focused on the following brands, although it suggests that the privacy concerns extend across the industry, primarily because car buyers often do not prioritize or even consider privacy when purchasing new vehicles. The list of 25 manufacturers is organized based on parent companies and alliances, where models produced under different names share components:
- Acura and Honda
- Audi and Volkswagen
- BMW
- Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC
- Chrysler, Fiat, Jeep, and Dodge
- Dacia, Nissan, and Renault
- Ford and Lincoln
- Hyundai and Kia
- Lexus and Toyota
- Mercedes
- Subaru
- Tesla
Furthermore, the study highlights a troubling aspect – there are limited options available for drivers to mitigate these privacy concerns. In many cases, it is impossible to opt out of certain data collection practices, and doing so may disable critical functions of the vehicle. This underscores the urgent need for greater transparency and privacy protection within the automotive industry.
