Citing the COVID-19 pandemic and fewer drivers on the road, SiriusXM announced it is closing its Automatic Labs car tracking and “car assistant” program.
SiriusXM purchased Automatic Labs in 2017 and then a year ago this month it launched a new consumer program for the car tracking service through Best Buy, Car Toys, Crutchfield and Amazon.
Automatic includes an OBD2 adapter and an app and it provided crash alert, real time car location and tracking, teen monitoring, remote car start from home (when combined with home automation devices), and other services for $99 for a 6 month period.
SiriusXM will cease all Automatic service as of May 28.
“Just like many other companies in the United States, the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted our business,” said Automatic’s web site. “With fewer consumers purchasing and leasing vehicles and drivers on the road, unfortunately we do not see a path forward for our business. …We have made the difficult decision to discontinue the Automatic connected car product, service and platform. We will be shutting down all operations at 11:59 pm, PT, on May 28, 2020, and, as a result, your service will end on that time.”
The company will provide a rebate for some customers as outlined here.
Source: Automatic Labs, The Verge
