Audi UK Makes Big Brother Work For You

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

Audi is apparently cashing in on the universal paranoia of having your car at the dealer as well as the distinctly British love of video surveillance, by offering AudiDirect Reception, which allows owners to watch their car go through maintenance. According to a press release [via WCF], the new program makes Audi technicians wear video cameras and two-way communication systems, allowing owners to constantly watch over their shoulders and interrupt their work. Or, as Audi puts it

Candid cameras will soon be focused on all Audi Centre service areas as part of a new Direct Reception initiative being rolled out across the network that will enable Audi customers to view in ‘real time’, and communicate with, technicians as they carry out diagnosis and repair work.

Up next? Chat Roulette!

Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • ExPatBrit ExPatBrit on Jul 07, 2010

    I even know what he is saying. This rear tire has 2/32 less tread than the other three so because it's a quattro it would be best to replace all four. Think of the safety of the children! And it certainly wouldn't be safe for you to drive your car before these are replaced. That will be $$$$. Have a nice day!

  • GS650G GS650G on Jul 07, 2010

    Two words: Battery problem. Want to know who thinks this stuff up? People who don't work on cars, that's who. The two way radio link takes the cake.

  • Dr Strangelove Dr Strangelove on Jul 07, 2010

    I wonder how much of this is really about Audi tightening the reins on their personnel. Very likely they are going to archive all that stuff, and if there is a dispute, they can either prove that they did due diligence, or if not they can go after the tech who bungled the job.

  • Speedster356 Speedster356 on Jul 08, 2010

    It would be nice to have this in my VW dealer. Maybe this way I could have prevented them from using the wrong type of oil in my engine.

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