bZ4X Remote Parking Function

[Andy BZ4x]

I have the IOS version which works fine in the UK, although i can't seem to find it on the app store anymore, below is a screen shot

 

[wivenhoe]

I have the same app and use it on my RZ. I was told Lexus Europe withdrew it because liability was uncertain if an accident occurred. I think that is rubbish as the app is available in the US and they are far more litigious than us Brits. I think the real issue is that even at very low speeds a parking shunt could damage the Battery so Toyota / Lexus found it easier to withdraw it, although that doesn’t explain why the American market has it. Perhaps it’s the UK insurers being nervous.
 

[Blindinglight]

Hi

As far as I am concerned this is an ongoing issue with Toyota.    I hope they will soon see it as in their interest to resolve.   I expect I shall soon find myself in a position where I am parked and cannot access the car.  Perhaps a photo of the situation will help.  At the very least courtesy demand a rational explanation of why this is OK in the USA but not provided in UK where it is needed.   full remote function is not required just an ability to draw forward about 3 metres 

 

 

[philip42h]

A support email address is given on the App download page (still visible via a browser on a PC): remotepark@mail.toyota.co.jp - ask them 😉

[Fiveway4]

27 minutes ago, philip42h said:

A support email address is given on the App download page (still visible via a browser on a PC): remotepark@mail.toyota.co.jp - ask them 😉

Sent them an email 6 months ago and never had a response!

[Cyker]

It's probably been removed because it's illegal in this country for any sort of unattended use of a vehicle on a public road. It's the same bits of law that also mean it's illegal to start the car remotely or leave it running while it's defrosting without being in the car, something the tabloids like to use as ad revenue clickbait every winter.

There is a bit of a grey area as to what counts as a public road - You could probably get away with using it on your driveway for example, but what about private carparks? Use in retail park carparks and normal roads would almost certainly illegal.

Some manufacturers (Notably Tesla) leave it in and blame the user if it's used illegally, but other more traditional manufacturers are more conservative (And if Toyota is anything it's conservative!) and remove it rather than risk being liable for it and having the government go after them for some juicy free money.

The USA AFAIK doesn't have a blanket prohibition of such things (That said I believe some states do while some states don't), so it sees more deployment over there. Same for other countries with more relaxed laws about such things.

 

[philip42h]

1 hour ago, Cyker said:

It's probably been removed because it's illegal in this country for any sort of unattended use of a vehicle on a public road. It's the same bits of law that also mean it's illegal to start the car remotely or leave it running while it's defrosting without being in the car,

Nope - perfectly legal since June 2018: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-laws-pave-way-for-remote-control-parking-in-the-uk

(unless it's already been repealed by the shiny new Labour government 😉 )

[Cyker]

Oooh I stand corrected - I was unaware of that change to the law! So it's legal as long as you're within 6m of the car?

Maybe Toyota haven't realized that law change also  

That does make the defrosting the car unattended thing even more grey, as you could easily argue you're within 6m of the car if it's right outside your house, and have your key fob!

 

[Andy BZ4x]

If Toyota were concerned about the legalities surly they would have stopped those of us who downloaded the app while it was available from using it now?

[wivenhoe]

I had the function on a 2018 E Class although that was just a straight forward / reverse whereas the Toyota / Lexus one does allow manoeuvring. 
I’m puzzled as the Lexus RX is sold as having the function so where do owners download the app from ?  The Lexus Link+ certainly doesn’t have it. 
As they offer it on the RX but not the RZ I can only think it’s the EV Battery risk. 

[Cyker]

12 hours ago, Andy BZ4x said:

If Toyota were concerned about the legalities surly they would have stopped those of us who downloaded the app while it was available from using it now?

They probably don't know how  

As good as Toyota are with the mechanicals, they seem equally bad with software...!