The tires, really?? I figured maybe the wheels but the tires?
Anything that has a remote chance of making more profit than the competitor will be attempted. Even if it's morally questionable... moral != legal. Heck, VW even threw legality out the window with emissions shenanigans a few years ago.
I'm not arguing that it's wrong or right... it's just the entrepreneur's duty to try and the consumer's obligation to keep things in check.
Caveat emptor.
It's not a complete joke. Lots of tyres contain RFID chips for inventory control.
Michelin consider it's an asset that the "Tire tag can be read even when the tire is moving or rolling"
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Edit: Just realised that "Someone" posted the same comment 4 hours ago.
The point is they'd put a fart detector in the cabin (and send that data to the mother-ship too) if they thought it would be profitable.
:-)
“Through RFID technology, Michelin makes tires that "communicate" by linking them to a more global ecosystem, to create infinite potential for innovations and added value for its customers.
Our goal: connecting all MICHELIN tires for Passenger Cars, Light Trucks, Heavy Trucks and Busses by 2024.”
and
“Permanently readable
- RFID used in tires is a passive technology that doesn’t require a battery
- Tire tag can be read even when the tire is moving or rolling”
and
“Secure
- Tag is locked after writing by the tire manufacturer
- Robust traceability technology against robbery and counterfeiting”
It wouldn’t surprise me if some governments tracked cars by their tires,