Data processing in the vehicle
Your vehicle is fitted with electronic control units. Control units process data that they receive from vehicle sensors, generate
themselves or exchange with each other, for example. Some control units are required for the safe functioning of your vehicle. Other
control units support you when driving (driver assist systems), while others enable convenience features or additional functions of the
Infotainment system.
Operating data in the vehicle
Control units process data for a specific purpose for vehicle operation.
These include, for example:
—Vehicle status information, e.g. deceleration, deactivation times of the speed warning function and display of fastened seat belts.
—Ambient conditions, e.g. temperature, data from sensors for Adaptive Cruise Control.
—Image recordings, e.g. data from camera-assisted driver assist systems.
Recordings and other data for a specific purpose are normally fleeting and are normally processed directly in the vehicle itself and not
stored.
However, control units may also have data memories to document information regarding the vehicle status, component load levels,
maintenance requirements, technical events and faults on a temporary or permanent basis.
Depending on the technical equipment, the following data is stored:
—Operating states of system components, e.g. filling levels, tyre pressure, status of the vehicle battery.
—Faults or malfunctions in important system components, e.g. lights, brakes.
—System reactions to specific driving situations, e.g. triggering of an airbag, intervention of driver assist systems.
—Information on events which damaged the vehicle.
In special cases, e.g. when the vehicle has detected a malfunction, it may be necessary to store data that would normally only be
volatile.
If you make use of services, e.g. repairs or maintenance work, the stored operating data can, if necessary, be read and used together
with the vehicle identification number . The data can be read from the vehicle by employees of the service network (e.g. qualified
workshops) or third parties (e.g. breakdown services). The same applies to warranty cases and quality assurance measures.
The data is read via the legally prescribed OBD connection (on-board diagnosis) in the vehicle. The operating data that is read
documents the technical status of the vehicle or individual components thereof and provides support with fault diagnosis, compliance
with warranty obligations and quality improvement. This data, in particular information on component load levels, technical events,
operating errors and other faults, is transmitted to Volkswagen together with the vehicle identification number in cases where this is
expedient. In addition, Volkswagen may use the data for reasons related to product liability and product safety, e.g. for recall
campaigns. This data can also be used to check the customer’s warranty and guarantee claims.
Event memories in the vehicle can be reset by a service workshop as part of repair or service work or if you request this.
Personal reference
Each vehicle is given a unique vehicle identification number . Depending on country, this vehicle identification number can be traced
back to the current and former owners of the vehicle using information provided by the relevant authorities. There are also other ways
of tracing the vehicle to the owner or driver, via data collected for the vehicle e.g. the registration number.
The data generated or processed by control units may therefore be personal data or under certain conditions is personal data.
Depending on the vehicle data available, it may be possible to draw conclusions, e.g. about your driving behaviour, your location or
your route or your usage behaviour.
Your rights regarding data protection
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