Ever been apprehensive about handing car keys over to a valet? If so, then you should appreciate “valet mode” available in the upcoming 2014 Chevrolet Impala. Accessed via the settings menu in the available 8-inch display powered by the next-generation MyLink infotainment system, Valet Mode is initiated with a PIN and locks the retractable faceplate in the center stack, thereby protecting the storage bin behind it, while blocking access to addresses and contacts stored in MyLink.
According to Chevrolet, customer clinic participants expressed interest in Valet Mode, especially young car buyers who appreciated MyLink’s ability to protect the information stored in the system. Meanwhile, the lockable hidden bin behind the PIN-activated faceplate capable of storing items like wallets, gadgets, or maybe even paraphernalia for [insert a societally-frowned-upon activity of choice here] resonated well as a place to keep personal items out of sight.
In particular, the locking storage space behind the 8-inch display is made possible thanks to the relocation of MyLink system electronics to another location in the vehicle, thereby creating space behind the touch-screen.
The GM Authority Take
Simple, yet convenient features like Valet Mode on the 2014 Impala embody GM innovation at its best.
We do, however, wonder if activating Valet Mode also locks the glove box and trunk. We reached out to our contacts at GM but haven’t heard back yet; as soon as we do, we will update this story.
Update: We’ve been informed by GM that the Valet Mode does not lock the glove box or trunk. That’s rather unfortunate, and is something we hope The General’s engineers implement in a follow-up to the feature in the future. And as James mentions in the comments, Valet Mode could go even further by limiting throttle response (to prevent aggressive driving) and even initiating an alert (sent via the OnStar RemoteLink app) when the car is driven for more than a certain distance.
Comments
Today marketing cars is like telling the kids what they are getting for Christmas a year or more in advance. There just is no mystery, anticipation or excitement to buying cars no more.
In the 50’s and 60’s the new cars were shipped to the dealers hidden from view prior to introduction. Dealers would soap their showroom windows so you could not get a clear picture of the product on the showroom floor.
Today there is no excitement from the markering of automobiles. No one is lining up at the showroom to see what’s behind door #1. If anything today’s marketing practices point out how obsolete the current product line up is.
John, unlike in the days of yore, today the Internet serves as the ultimate global unveiling place of vehicles (and most other products)… not dealer showrooms.
Although the latter is ultimately where consumers go to see the products in person, chances are they have already seen them online — which is where most of the anticipation, unveiling, and pre- and post-reveal discussion takes places.
So no, obsolete isn’t the name of the game… instead, the medium has changed.
Remember “Super Lite,” Chrysler’s next big thing for ’69?’ It was advertised “Super Lite” was coming well in advance of it’s introduction and folks flocked to the dealerships to see exactly what it was.
It was a dud as a new option and technology but a winner in getting people to the showrooms. The internet doesn’t do a great job of getting people into the dealership and certainly does not nuture the enviroment for “impulse” buyers.
The internet is great for comparison shopping but the problem with that is when people do comparison shopping they begin with a specific brand then compare the competition to it. The Brand they use as a model has the advantage.
When a consumer shows up at your showroom excited at the prospects to be found there you have a dicided addvantage.
This isn’t the 60’s anymore, and the idea of hiding a car until launch day is dead. Using the internet to ramp up consumer interest isn’t just limted to cars, but in the auto industry, showing up unannounced doesn’t do anything to make a car more appealing.
Like Mahindra trucks.
You can’t keep people from comparing one brand from another. Consumers have the power to do that now and will do what they feel is best for their money.
By the way, the “Valet Mode” sounds like an excellent feature.
Cadillac’s CUE system has this feature as well.
On the XTS it locks the glove box and trunk as well as the storage compartment.
Guys — we just heard back from GM on this.
On the Impala, Valet Mode does not lock up the trunk or glove box. We’re updated the GM Authority Take accordingly.
Valet mode could go much further – limiting throttle position preventing aggressive driving and initiating
the sat nav or onstar to contact your smartphone
if the car travels further than 1/2 mile.
The possibilies are endless. This is the kind of thing people want and really appreciate.
You really have to give General Motors a lot of credit for some of the stuff they have undertaken (along with well deserved criticism). Seems that in many ways overcoming the negative perceptions of the government bailout has motivated the folks at General Motors to a large degree.
Corvette and Camaro could esp benefit from my
above proposed additions to valet mode.
Remember those shots of the airport parking
rental lot owner…Florida? Helicopter shots of
him driving and abusing customer’s performance
cars while they were away?
Just like in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”?
I always stay at the Harbor Castle, and never use their valet. One time the valets took my car anyways (I was parked in the temp zone while I unloaded my bag/gear and they request you leave keys in car in case they have to move it). Well they didn’t just “move it” and went and parked it.
They refused to return my car, which was my old CTS, and I was only 19 at the time and it was my baby lol. Police had to get involved and I was pretty pissed since we had reservations and tickets for TIFF.. I got comped our night and tickets to the ever so exciting baseball game but still was pretty pissed.
The hotel is my go-to, so I still stay there, I just don’t leave me keys in my cars anymore and they get pissy lol