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Lexus To Start Spamming Car Buyers In Their Cars

Posted by timothy on from the even-as-they-sleep dept.

techmuse writes "Lexus has announced plans to send targeted messages to buyers of its cars based on the buyer's zip code and vehicle type. Unlike regular spam, these messages will be delivered directly to the buyer's vehicle, and will play to the vehicle's occupants as audio. Lexus has promised to make the messages relevant to the car buyers." Imagine the fun that some targeted malware could do — not that such a thing could happen to a Lexus.

4 of 317 comments (clear)

  1. If these ads really are relevant to the buyer by Abstrackt · · Score: 5, Informative

    If these ads really are relevant to the buyer, my first and only ad would start with "To stop receiving this 'service'..."

    --
    They say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but it's not one half so bad as a lot of ignorance. - Terry Pratchett
  2. Nobody read the article... by tompaulco · · Score: 4, Informative

    ...which states that drivers can decide whether or not to play the messages.
    On the plus side, even for those that do decide to listen to the messages, this will only last until the first time somebody has an accident while listening to the message.

    --
    If you are not allowed to question your government then the government has answered your question.
  3. Re:Stupid by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    The worst mistake I made when I bought my Lexus is that I gave the dealer my cell phone number. Now, I routinely get robo calls from Lexus, reminding about service, my birthday, customer appreciation events, etc... It drives me apoplectic! I have complained multiple times to no avail. It is mind boggling to me that such a quality oriented organization can so completely botch such a simple thing. They buy this new technology that allows them to reach out and annoy their customers and now they can't stop using it.
     

  4. Re:Why, Lexus, Why? by Rary · · Score: 4, Informative

    I spend $60,000 for an automobile and now it will spam me while driving it?

    First of all, it's technically not spam, since you have to sign up to receive it (it's basically an audio newsletter). Second, it arrives in your inbox before you start driving, not while you're driving.

    I would never sign up for it, but it's not quite what TFS suggests it is (surprise, surprise).

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    "You cannot simultaneously prevent and prepare for war." -- Albert Einstein