Two U.S. senators are calling on the Federal Trade Commission to investigate automakers selling customers' driving data to brokers who package it and then sell it to insurance companies. In a letter to FTC Chairwoman Linda Khan, Democrats Ron Wyden of Oregon, and Edward Markey of Massachusetts allege that General Motors, Hyundai, Honda and perhaps others are sharing drivers' data, such as sudden braking and acceleration. The automakers, the senators said in a statement Friday, used deceptive tactics to manipulate customers into signing up for disclosure of the data to brokers.
Honda will close a plant operated through its joint venture (JV) with Chinese state-owned automaker Guangzhou Automobile Group in October, a company spokesperson said. The automaker has made the Accord sedan model at the plant, which was opened nearly two decades ago and has an annual production capacity of 50,000 vehicles.
In November 2022, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) had opened an investigation for 2018 to 2022 model year Honda CR-V and HR-V vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive after reports alleging rear differential seizure. Some of the reports that were received alleged the vehicle's wheels locked up with no warning while still in motion, NHTSA said. However, Honda stated the operator can control the vehicle without stability loss in the event of differential failure, NHTSA added.