Is the increasing complexity of in-car infotainment systems going to create a legal liability for car dealers? That idea crossed my mind earlier this week, and the more I think about it, the more I think there is an issue dealers need to consider and discuss. Editor Todd Phillips writes about the topic in his editor’s note in this issue as does our Tech Talk columnist Gerry Malloy.
There is no question that in-car infotainment systems are becoming increasingly capable, but with that increased capability comes a steeper learning curve for vehicle owners as they navigate the different functions of these systems. These new systems have some amazing capabilities, and may be more intuitive than many earlier systems, but they are still complex — and distracting.
I wonder if we aren’t going to see a case where someone has an accident, blames it on the distraction created by their vehicle’s infotainment system, and decides the responsibility lies with the dealership who sold them the car because that dealer’s new vehicle delivery process didn’t provide enough training on how to use the system.
It’s not hard to imagine that scenario. It’s not hard to imagine a lawyer taking that case, and believing the dealership would be an easier target than the OEM who designed the system.
It’s not that big a stretch. Consider the U.S. case from 1994 where a woman ordered a coffee from a McDonald’s restaurant, spilled it and burned herself, and successfully sued because the coffee was too hot.
How many dealerships are constantly adjusting their vehicle delivery system to support new infotainment systems, which are changing all the time? How many customers would even be willing to sit through a training session detailed enough to really introduce the system? How can this training be made more engaging and perhaps even mandatory?
It all strikes me as something dealers needs to be talking about. Gotta go now. My phone’s ringing and I’m coming up to a busy intersection.
