A method and apparatus for operating an automotive storage facility

An automotive-based and vehicle-associated mass data storage facility contains mechanical drive means for driving a mass-data storage medium when the latter is loaded viz à viz said mechanical drive means, and pickup means for reading the mass data storage facility when the mass data storage medium is actually being driven by the mechanical drive means. In particular, the mass data storage facility is operated by sensing a user and/or system data requirement viz à viz the mass data storage medium, and under control of the sensing the driving and reading of said mass data storage medium is activated towards a cache memory that is immediately interfaced towards the pick-up means. Under control of a qualified absence of said sensing, the driving and reading are deactivated to a vestigial activity level.