GPS in rental cars criticized
By: Drivers.com staff
Date: 2002-01-24
Connecticut State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said his department has filed a complaint against ACME-Rent-A-Car on behalf of consumers who may be charged $150 each time they speed in their rental cars. The complaint alleges that the company failed to properly inform customers of the GPS tracking system installed in the cars, and the potential charges. The Global Positioning System (by AirIQ) sends signals by satellite that can monitor the car's oil and battery, as well as speed and location and perhaps whether airbags have deployed. Other companies such as Hertz use GPS for route guidance for drivers, and Avis includes Onstar in many cars. The systems could also be used to warn of drivers crossing borders without permission, or even disabling the cars in this instance or when stolen. Several rental firms in Canada contacted by CBC TV indicated they use GPS in their cars, but do not charge for speeding, and do not inform customers they are being monitored.
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