Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Toyota, Lexus Restore App Preconditioning With Legal Warning in Germany

Toyota restored the feature following strong customer feedback, with an in‑app notice placing legal responsibility on drivers under Germany’s idling rule.

Overview

  • The app-controlled preconditioning function is active again for all affected Toyota and Lexus users as of early February.
  • Toyota had remotely disabled the capability before Christmas out of legal caution tied to §30 StVO, which prohibits unnecessary engine idling.
  • The app now warns that using the function in Germany may constitute an administrative offense and states that drivers are responsible for compliance.
  • About 100,000 combustion-engine and conventional-hybrid vehicles were impacted, while plug-in hybrids and battery-electric models were not affected.
  • Toyota said the reversal followed very clear customer feedback that the feature is important for comfort and safety.