Connected vehicles have introduced a new concern for car owners: what happens to the personal information collected by their vehicles and related apps. A recent study found that Ford is among several automakers whose vehicles transmit customer data to third-party companies.The research was conducted by Consumer Reports in collaboration with privacy researchers at Northeastern University in Boston, Ford Authority first reported. The researchers looked at the information collected by vehicles and manufacturer apps and where it was ultimately sent.For the study, researchers examined 21 vehicles and their associated manufacturer apps. The vehicles were placed inside a specially designed Faraday tent, which prevents electromagnetic signals from passing through. This allowed the researchers to monitor data transmissions from the vehicles and apps.The findings indicated that almost every automaker included in the research shared some form of data with a third party. Ford was among the automakers identified as transmitting personal customer information, with only two of the 21 vehicles tested not doing so.Ford F-150The type of information involved can include details such as a vehicle owner's name and geographic location. According to the study, some of this information is provided to businesses including insurers, banks, lenders, retailers and pharmaceutical companies, which can use the data to tailor offers to consumers.The research also found that nearly one-quarter of the apps examined transmitted personal information. That raises additional questions as automakers continue adding connected services and app-based features to their vehicles.Some automakers reportedly argued that connected apps can direct customers to external webpages. Third-party companies can then place tracking technologies such as pixels and cookies on those pages, potentially allowing them to collect information.Another issue involves customer consent. Some automakers said customers must opt in before certain data sharing can take place. However, many newer vehicle features reportedly won't work if customers decline, potentially leaving them with a difficult choice between privacy and functionality.Ford maintains that it does not engage in the practices described above, but the latest study found that one of its vehicles transmitted personal customer data to a third party during testing. The findings place Ford among the automakers identified in the research as transmitting such information.