Hello, the sales team explained to me that for Enform Safety Connect (SOS emergency button, stolen vehicle locator, automatic collision report) my vehicle communicates with the Enform "cloud" (same as Internet?) using standard cellular network technology, and I don't need to install a SIM card into the vehicle (assuming one was installed in factory already) and I don't need to worry about data usage (assuming Enform monthly subscription fees will take care of that).

How about Enform Remote services (to find my vehicle in parking lots, start/stop engine, lock/unlock doors etc.)? Do these services use the same cellular network technology explained above?

Thanks in advance for explaining. I am worried about data usage on my phone in case Enform Remote is quietly using my data plan.

 

The "cloud" that they refer to is nothing more than a server that belongs to Lexus or whomever runs the SOS service. It does not use your data plan. There are many providers that offer data service that is very inexpensive and considering the number of Lexus vehicles out there the cost to them is nominal. You do not need to use the Enform app if you so choose in which case only the SOS will work if you push the button. I would imagine if you were in an accident and the car detected it Lexus would be notified not sure what/if their response would be.

Your other assumptions are correct.

 

Thanks for explaining it's crystal clear now. I was worried it may "steal" from my data plan via my Bluetooth connection. Thanks again for peace of mind.

 

Keep in mind that the data sent to and from the car is kilobytes. Even if it did use your data which it does not you would never notice it on your data plan.
BTW what dealer told you about "the cloud"?

 

Great! Sounds like there's nothing to worry about at all then.

It's embarrassing...... here's what happened: I still didn't understand how the whole Enform thing works even after multiple face to face explanations at dealership, I then called up sales folks at various dealerships so each of them shared the burden (of explaining to an idiot) before running of our patience. I can't remember which phone call I was on when the "cloud" buzz word came up. They tried to use Google cloud, Samsung cloud, etc. as an analogy when explaining.