VW boss issues big data warning

VW boss issues big data warningCar manufacturers have been warned to tread carefully with the vast amounts of data they are now gathering through their vehicles – through the likes of telematics and so-called infotainment – or risk alienating customers.
Speaking at the opening of the CeBIT IT fair in Hanover, Volkswagen chief executive Martin Winterkorn (pictured) vowed to protect customers against the abuse of their personal information to fight what he called the “data monster”.
He explained: “I clearly say yes to big data, yes to greater security and convenience, but no to paternalism and Big Brother. At this point, the entire industry is called upon. We need a voluntary commitment by the automobile industry.”
With the average family saloon now having more computing power than the spaceship that first took man to the moon, Apollo 11, modern vehicles have become mobile computers. Winterkorn warned: “The car must not become a data monster.”
While some of data services will benefit consumers; sensors in the car can automatically alert the driver when the vehicle requires a service and let the repair shop know exactly what needs fixing, others will be more intrusive, Winkhorn said.
He cited the rise of telematics which will help insurance companies to identify aggressive driving patterns and penalise these with higher premiums.
The car industry also faces a challenge in how to store data securely, and decide what to discard and what to preserve, in the event of an accident.

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  1. RT @DM_editor: VW boss issues #bigdata warning, saying firms must not create a ‘data monster’ http://t.co/vWuf3jluMd #directmarketing #dig…

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