Attorney General Knudsen launches investigation into major auto companies

HELENA – Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen launched an investigation into two automotive manufacturers, Ford Motor Company and Stellantis N.V., following recent reports that personal driving data is collected and sold to third-party companies.

Attorney General Knudsen is bringing the investigation under Montana’s Consumer Protection Act, which exists to safeguard Montanans’ online personal and financial information. According to reports, both automotive companies sell driver data to third-party data and insurance companies, such as LexisNexis and Verisk Analytics.

The Civil Investigative Demand (CID) gives Ford Motor Company and Stellantis N.V. one month to respond.

“It appears vehicle owners are unaware that their driving data is being collected and sold to third parties without their consent. If true, this deceitful practice raises serious consumer protection concerns and is also a violation of state law,” Attorney General Knudsen said. “My office is committed to ensuring companies are following Montana law.”

Attorney General Knudsen is demanding that the companies provide all products, services, or platforms that collect driving data, personal information, and vehicle data used to sell, license, or share with third-party recipients.