Here’s How Ford Motor Company Is Preparing for a Connected World of Motoring
We have arguably never been more grateful to live in a world of connected digital technology than during the COVID-19 crisis. Connected tech has allowed us to stay in touch with loved ones during lockdown restrictions and has enabled many people to continue working and earning money from their homes.
However, one area of life which has been relatively slow to become fully connected has been the world of automobiles. Naturally, it has been slightly more challenging to facilitate connected cars, due to them having to rely on mobile technology rather than hardline, but we are now seeing more and more vehicles with the ability to get online and offer drivers a new era of digital experiences.
And, if there’s one automobile brand you’d expect to be leading the way in connected vehicle technology, it would be the one that started the whole industry in the first place.
Ford Motor Company
As a true pioneer of the motoring world, Ford Motor Company has serious pedigree when it comes to innovating in the transportation space and has been dedicating itself to making truly connected cars a reality.
"At Ford, we’ve taken bold steps in this direction, equipping our new vehicles with factory-fitted onboard modems since 2019," said Ford Motor Company in a blog post. "We’ve now put more than 6 million connected vehicles on the road across the globe. As more devices are hooked up to the internet and cities build out smart infrastructure, connected vehicles can be deployed to enhance transportation and convenience in innovative ways."
Of course, many car drivers are already enjoying many of the user benefits of connected cars through their smartphones and Bluetooth connectivity. Drivers can listen to Spotify and Audible, or use voice activation to make phone calls and send messages without taking their hands off the wheel or their eyes off the road.
However, while these driver experiences are interesting, far more exciting from a field service perspective is the way truly connected vehicles can allow car manufacturers to stay in touch with drivers after sale and provide them with ongoing service and maintenance related information designed to assist them in keeping their new Ford running at optimum capacity far into its lifetime.
Connected Service
One of the best advantages of Ford Motor Company’s connected vehicle program is the way it allows software updates and quality of life improvements to be delivered wirelessly straight to the car without the need to take it into a garage or dealership.
"Connected vehicles are transforming how we stay in touch with customers," said Chief Technology Officer for Ford Motor Company, Ken Washington. "Led by the all-new 2021 F-150, Mustang Mach-E and Bronco, new Ford vehicles are now equipped with advanced capabilities enabling them to receive updates and actually get better over time. This allows for quick and easy wireless upgrades that enhance features, quality, experiences, capability, and convenience. These updates can help improve the ownership experience and may help reduce the need for repair trips."
Speak to any retired mechanic who hasn’t worked in the industry for the last few decades, and they will tell you that car engines are virtually unrecognizable to them these days. This is due to the amount of digital technology and computer software which is now responsible for running these vehicles. And, as anyone with any experience of computers and digital technology knows, these things need updates to keep running at their best.
Thanks to Ford Motor Company’s connected technology updates can be delivered instantly, seamlessly, and regularly, and without disrupting the drivers experience with unnecessary and frustrating trips back to the dealership.
Ford Motor Company is also deploying technology such a C-V2X which allows connected vehicles to communicate with any surrounding objects which are also equipped with the tech. Other vehicles, people, and infrastructure such as traffic lights can feed information back to Ford Motor Company’s connected cars and provide alerts to potential dangers.
The technology also monitors the car internally and can detect faults as they begin to occur. If the problem can be solved remotely a solution can be downloaded by the car, or it can recommend the driver books the vehicle in to be looked over by an engineer.
Final Thoughts
"There’s a new frontier in innovation, one that cannot be seen with the naked eye, but that exists, nonetheless," said Washington. "Everywhere you look, cities, companies and entire countries are pouring significant resources into connectivity, linking up all kinds of things so they can communicate with each other. This connected world will enable capabilities that start bringing to life visions of future transportation only seen before in sci-fi movies."
Connected vehicles are sure to be part of the conversation at Field Service Palm Springs 2022, taking place in April at the JW Marriott Desert Springs.
Download the agenda for more information and insights.