14:15 03-04-2026

Ford's new service mode could enable car rentals when not in use

Ford has reportedly filed a patent for a special service mode that could be used in future vehicles from the brand.

In the new patent document, Ford proposes a unique vehicle service mode—or what the company calls a "temporary use mode." This concept focuses more on the ability to rent out a car when it's not in use.

In such a scenario, car owners could provide a unique key that would automatically switch the vehicle into this mode. It would display legal documents that might require confirmation, track vehicle data, and even disinfect the interior after being rented by others.

Experts note that patents for special developments are common practice among automakers, but a patent does not guarantee that the new technology will necessarily be implemented in production vehicles.