Ford product innovation is not standing still.
Wayne Gerdes -
CleanMPG - Nov. 10, 2009
2011 Ford SuperDuty w/ the new 6.7L PowerStroke is just one Ford work vehicles that will benefit from Worksolutions and SYNC TDI.
Ford's wide-ranging, customer-driven in-vehicle technology and features continue to gain recognition and awards. Both Ford Work Solutions and SYNC – two Ford-exclusive technologies – will be honored with International CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2010 Innovations Design and Engineering Awards.
Ford Work Solutions' in-dash computer won 2010 Best of Innovations in the category of In-Vehicle Accessories. SYNC's latest application, Traffic, Directions & Information, was honored in the category of In-Vehicle Navigation/Telematics/ITS (Intelligent Transportation System).
"Our customers want the latest in connectivity and technology – making their drive experience more enjoyable and convenient," said Mark Fields, president, The Americas, Ford Motor Company. "We're honored that CES has recognized our efforts in providing these customer-driven features."
Products entered in this program are judged by a panel of highly regarded independent industrial designers, engineers and members of the media to honor outstanding design and engineering in cutting-edge consumer electronics products across 36 categories.
The Innovations entries are judged based on the following criteria- Engineering qualities, based on technical specs and materials used.
- Aesthetic and design qualities, using photos provided.
- The product's intended use/function and user value.
- Unique/novel features that consumers would find attractive.
- How the design and innovation of the product compares to other products in the marketplace.
- Ford Work Solutions enables greater productivity for fleets, commercial customers.
Ford Work Solutions is a collection of technology created to provide Ford commercial truck and van customers with connectivity, flexibility and security to better manage their businesses. Available on Ford F-150, F-Series Super Duty, E-Series vans and the new Transit Connect, Ford Work Solutions delivers four innovative features:
- An in-dash computer developed with Magneti Marelli and powered by Microsoft Auto that provides full high-speed Internet access via the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network, Bluetooth-enabled hands-free calling and navigation by Garmin. The first broadband-capable in-dash computer in production, the system allows customers to print invoices, check inventories and access documents stored on their home or office computer networks – right on the job site.
The office is now mobile.
- Tool Link™, a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) asset tracking system developed in association with DeWALT™, the industry leader in professional power tools, and ThingMagic, the industry expert on embedded RFID technology. This technology enables customers to maintain a detailed real-time inventory of the tools or equipment stored in the pickup box.
- Crew Chief™, a fleet tracking, telematics and diagnostics system, offered with market-leading telematics specialist Microlise, provides dynamic location and performance data fleet owners need to more efficiently manage their vehicles, quickly dispatch workers to job sites, monitor driver performance for safety and economy, and keep detailed vehicle maintenance records.
- Cable Lock security system developed in association with Master Lockฎ, the industry-leading lock manufacturer, discourages theft of expensive tools too large to fit in the cab.
Some of the features are described with greater detail in the
Ford Transit Connect Preview.
"Ford Work Solutions is just another example of how we listen to our truck customers and deliver features and technology to help them do their jobs easier and more efficiently," said Bill Frykman, business development manager for Ford Work Solutions. "We've been the leader in the segment for 32 years by delivering real-world solutions to our customers. For example, fleets using Crew Chief have experienced increases in fuel economy in excess of 20 percent."
SYNC with TDI – A new trick
Ford SYNC's latest application – Traffic, Directions & Information – leverages industry-leading voice-recognition software, integrated GPS technology and a customer's Bluetooth-capable mobile phone. It provides simple hands-free access to personalized traffic reports, precise turn-by-turn driving directions and up-to-date information including business listings, news, sports and weather.
These new capabilities are in addition to SYNC's established hallmark suite of services, from hands-free, voice-activated cell phone and digital media player integration to the more recent security and convenience additions of 911 Assist™ and Vehicle Health Report.
Introduced in 2007, more than 80 percent of the vehicles Ford sells in North America are equipped with SYNC, and more than 1 million SYNC-equipped vehicles are on the road today.
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