Ford has registered for a patent on a technology that enables automobiles to self-repossess.

If owners disregard alerts about missed payments, the system deactivates services such as the radio, GPS, air conditioning, and cruise control. Then, when the driver is present, it may emit loud and obnoxious sounds, and eventually, it could lock the owner out of the vehicle.

If the owner continues to do nothing, the vehicle could drive to a location where a tow truck can retrieve it.

The firm informed NPR that it had yet to make any plans to implement this. It is also important to note that Ford does not yet produce autonomous vehicles and that patent submission is a standard business practice.