Chevrolet is getting geared up for the April 1st launch of the new Malibu, and their media machine is in top gear, trying to drum up some enthusiasm for what has been a milquetoast sedan since the Malibu reappeared as a mid-size car in 1997. The latest feature that Chevrolet is pushing as the technology that buyers should want is the “Teen Driving System”. It works by the parents registering a PIN number system with the Malibu’s onboard computer, then setting up the teen’s key fob for the car. Settings such as volume control and a speed limiter can be set, none of the driver assistance systems (from the daytime running lights to the parking assist) can be defeated manually, and finally, the parents can go back into the system and read a “report card” that is a recording of everything that happened while the teen was driving, from speeds to how many times the safety systems had to get involved.
Personally, if you don’t trust your teen enough to drive your car without every possible safety nanny on and plus a recording system, your kid didn’t need a driver’s license in the first place, but that’s just me. What do you think?
Soooo how many folks are GLAD their parents couldn’t see their vehicular hi-jinks, and still had reasonable levels of trust with them? I don’t think it has a whole lot to do with who trust their kid more or less so much as who can afford to watch their kid more.
My only issue is the speed limiter, and if a parent sets it too low it can be as dangerous as too high. But otherwise, using annoyances as reminders I have no problems with. I like that radio off until seat belts are used.
Ford has had a similar syst for several years now. It’s called My Key.
I’m with you, Bryan. Why bother teaching your kid responsibility and accountability? you can just monitor them every minute until they turn 18. This is a ridiculous amount of BS and more reasons for me to never want new cars.
I don’t know. My dad cut me loose with a 77′ Firebird (6.0/ auto) and for a short while a Ninja 750. Whenever I acted the fool dad knew about it, and acted accordingly. A “little bird” would always tell him.
Don’t I know that story. If I ever find that little feathered bastard…
What follows on the screen is Idiot aboard – Insert anal probe – turn on electricity!
Shoulda bought a Ford!