WASHINGTON (AP) — Nineteen automakers that account for most of the passenger cars and trucks sold in the U.S. have signed on to a set of principles they say will protect motorists’ privacy in an era when cars pass along more information than many drivers realize.

Many recent-model cars and light trucks have GPS and mobile communications technology integrated into the vehicle’s computers and navigation systems. Information on where drivers have been and where they’re going is continually sent to manufacturers when the systems are in use.

Industry officials say they want to assure their customers that the information their cars stream back to automakers won’t be handed over to authorities without a court or sold to insurance companies or advertisers without permission.

The principles also commit automakers to “implement reasonable measures” to protect personal information from unauthorized access.

The principles were delivered in a letter to the Federal Trade Commission, which has the authority to force corporations to live up to their promises to consumers.