[jtangm04]

Received a call from FCA today regarding an invitation to be apart of a study. Basically it is a 24mo study where they put a sensor/gps into your car to monitor your usage and I am guessing the health of the car. In return they would reimburse me $600 to enroll. Anyone else get the call? Pros for me would be the obvious financial incentive and if there was something wrong with the car, FCA would potentially be able to identify it easier. Downside would be loss of privacy regarding my usage of my car. Potential time lost to drive to a dealership and have the sensor installed.

What are people's thoughts?

Addendum...

Called back for more details. There are 2 sensors that would be installed. First sensor goes under the drivers seat and second sensor on the dashboard on the driver's side. Dashboard sensor is about the size of a mouse and black in color. Sensors are going measure gps and terrain performance. Installation ~2hrs. $300 given when installed and $300 given at end of study. Monthly surveys ~15 to 30min in length. If survey completed will be entered in raffle for gift cards to retailers. Eligible for people who preordered Pacifica AFTER March 31st. At that point I mentioned I preordered on Jan 31st so in the end I am not eligible.

Just passing on the info for people who might be interested.

 

[smity84]

Received a call from FCA today regarding an invitation to be apart of a study. Basically it is a 24mo study where they put a sensor/gps into your car to monitor your usage and I am guessing the health of the car. In return they would reimburse me $600 to enroll. Anyone else get the call? Pros for me would be the obvious financial incentive and if there was something wrong with the car, FCA would potentially be able to identify it easier. Downside would be loss of privacy regarding my usage of my car. Potential time lost to drive to a dealership and have the sensor installed.



What are people's thoughts?

Yeah I got the same call. My only problem is that I don't have my car yet. Go figure. I'm all for it though. I don't care who knows how often or where I drive. If t makes it better for others, why not? Plus $600 is pretty generous in my opinion.

I probably won't be able to take advantage though, since I still don't have my car. The rep said that she would put me on hold (kinda like my car) and I could call back and see if a spot was still open.


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[at4iowa]

I got the call, too. Since my wife is the primary driver, they wanted to talk to her. She agreed to do it. I think she gets $300 when they put on the sensor and another $300 down the road. It was called a R&D initiative. I'll post when we get more info. Not sure when she is taking the van in.

 

[chrissbu]

I wonder why it matters when someone ordered.

 

[ScorpyMjolnir]

They called and made the same offer. Then they asked if I put down a deposit. As soon as I said yes, they said I dont qualify. Bye bye $600 bones.

 

[aork]

They called and made the same offer. Then they asked if I put down a deposit. As soon as I said yes, they said I dont qualify. Bye bye $600 bones.

Because you put down a deposit before March 31?

 

[ScorpyMjolnir]

Because you put down a deposit before March 31?

Yes

 

[Tiz]

Got this call about a week ago. Ordered 20Dec16 took possession 03May17. Dealer is scheduled to install the required sensors on 21Jun17.

 

[PlatinumHybrid]

Just got this call as well. I put down a deposit in late January 2017 and took delivery in late April 2017. Am I correct in saying that putting down a deposit before March 31st, 2017 makes those owners ineligible for this study?

If so, this isn't even worth me calling them back.

 

[SherylBear]

Yes. Someone on the Facebook group said they have a maximum number of participants with and without deposit and with is already full. Unless something has changed.

 

[PlatinumHybrid]

Yes. Someone on the Facebook group said they have a maximum number of participants with and without deposit and with is already full. Unless something has changed.

That's what I figured. I'm surprised they don't have the reservation date on their paperwork to save time calling owners just to find out that a good percentage are now ineligible. Is what it is I suppose.

 

[ElectricGuy]

I got the call, too. Since my wife is the primary driver, they wanted to talk to her. She agreed to do it. I think she gets $300 when they put on the sensor and another $300 down the road. It was called a R&D initiative. I'll post when we get more info. Not sure when she is taking the van in.

Part of the deal is to participate in monthly questionnaires. I was told there are gift cards as rewards for those. It sounded like one could receive much more than $600, but we will have to wait and see.

 

[EV2]

I am participating in the study and I already have the data tracker installed. The install was about 1 1/2 hours and the only evidence is a black, matchbox size GPS antenna that's on the dash in the far left front corner. Here's the exact language from the agreement:

"FCA and Morpace would like to thank you for agreeing to participate in this important research and development initiative. You are among a select group of Pacifica Hybrid owners helping FCA to better understand how your hybrid vehicle is performing under real world conditions, as they are committed to delivering an ownership experience that exceeds your expectations. Welcome!

There are three phases of the research - the first is the installation of the data logger and GPS puck, the second phase is participating in an online research community (approximately once per month for up to two years), and the third and final phase, is the removal of the data logger and GPS puck.

Below is the information related to the installation of the data logger. As a reminder, you will receive $300 once the logger is installed.

After your Pacifica has been equipped with the data logger and GPS puck, you will receive an email from Morpace to officially join the online research community. This email will follow in the coming weeks and we will notify you via email once we send the invitation to join. In appreciation for completing surveys, each month you will be entered into a sweepstakes drawing for a chance to win a gift card to a major online retailer ranging in value from $25 up to $250."

 

[dlieu]

they also put gag clause not to reveal any of study details on social media, and set forth that email alerts, texts and email health reports will cease to work during the study.

Declined.

 

[PlatinumHybrid]

They called me again, but I wasn't accepted to the study given that our PacHy had a deposit on it in late January 2017. They did ask if they could call back in the event that study parameters change and they need more participants, and I said okay.

I got the impression that the pool of candidates who ordered after March 31st is pretty small (smaller than they had anticipated), and they may have to rethink who is excluded and who is still eligible.