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FORD TO SHOWCASE HYBRIDS, POWERTRAIN SOLUTIONS AT 2009 SAE WORLD CONGRESS

Ford Work Solutions

Ford Work Solutions

SUMMARY:

• Ford Work Solutions™ – a collection of affordable technologies including four industry-first features – provides Ford truck customers connectivity, flexibility, visibility and security to better run key aspects of their business
• Like the popular in-vehicle communications system, Ford SYNC® powered by Microsoft, Ford Work Solutions was developed under voluntary industry guidelines to limit driver distraction from in-vehicle telematics
• Ford Work Solutions is available on the Ford F-150, F-Series Super Duty and E-Series vans; the all-new 2010 Ford Transit Connect also will offer these technologies

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CONTEXT / BACKGROUND:

Customers increasingly are using telematics devices while driving their vehicles, and most available data suggests this trend will continue, regardless of legislation and public education to limit driver distraction from in-vehicle telematics. The challenge for automakers, then, is to provide a better, more convenient, less distracting driving experience, while taking full advantage of the technologies and services customers expect to have access to in their vehicle.

Ford products such as Ford Work Solutions, Ford SYNC and voice-activated Navigation with SIRIUS Travel Link demonstrate how a group of industry-exclusive smart technologies can be incorporated into a vehicle without being distractive to the driver.

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QUOTES:

“We know people want to stay connected in their vehicles, so Ford is continuing to deliver that connectivity for them responsibly and safely. Our research backs up what most of us instinctively know – that it is better while driving to place a call using a voice interface than dialing manually, because you can keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.”

 

“Ford Work Solutions takes productivity to a new level by bringing the office to the job site in an integrated, seamless way that only Ford could deliver – with a strong network of industry-leading partners.”

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DETAILS:

For years, truck capability has been measured in maximum towing and payload ratings. Ford Work Solutions adds another dimension of capability for commercial truck owners by delivering fully integrated mobile office functionality on the job site – an industry first.

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. It is the first broadband-capable in-dash computer in production. This 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 partnership 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 so fleet owners can more efficiently manage their vehicles, quickly dispatch workers to job sites, monitor drivers and driver performance for safety and economy, and keep detailed vehicle maintenance records.

Cable Lock security system developed in partnership with Master Lock®, the industry-leading lock manufacturer, to discourage theft of expensive tools too large to fit in the cab.

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In Development

Ford Work Solutions features were developed through hands-on research with contractors and skilled tradespeople in multiple markets around the country. The features and their functionality were also created under the auto industry's voluntary guidelines to limit driver distraction. While a vehicle is in motion, for example, these Ford Work Solutions functions are not available or are limited:

• Internet access
• Word processing options
• Remote access to office/home computer
• Limited navigation system functionality

Ford helped lead the industry's development of the voluntary guidelines for in-vehicle telematics and infotainment systems and has already conducted internal driver distraction studies related to the benefits of a voice interface with the well-established Ford SYNC system, found on 1 million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles travelling the roads today.

At this week's SAE International World Congress, Ford researchers are presenting a study that shows the significant differences in distraction levels for voice-controlled interfaces versus handheld operation of devices such as a cell phone or music player. Ford also is displaying the technical capabilities of Ford Work Solutions with the 2009 Ford F-Series on the exhibit floor.

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Availability

All four Ford Work Solutions technologies are available on:

• The new 2009 Ford F-150 XL, STX, XLT trucks
• F-Series Super Duty XL, XLT and FX4 trucks
• 2009 E-Series vans
• The 2010 Transit Connect van joins the lineup in mid-2009

Several of the features will be available at a later date for dealer installation to upgrade Ford trucks already in service.

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Online on the Job Site

Ford Work Solutions' in-dash computer, developed with Magneti Marelli, is capable of linking into a business owner's main office computer network or a home computer via a cellular broadband connection.

Users can:

• Access existing files on an office computer miles from the job site using the integrated LogMeIn remote access application
• Open a word processing document, a spread sheet or their business accounting program
• Make updates and print them in the truck on an available Ford-certified, on-board, Bluetooth-enabled, battery-powered inkjet printer

Powered by Microsoft Auto, the system provides high-speed Internet access via the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network. It works with Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, offering hands-free calling with push-to-talk voice recognition, access to user phonebooks and the ability to receive test messages.

The in-dash computer also includes navigation by Garmin, which comes standard with features like re-routing due to construction or traffic congestion and points of interest including local gas stations and their fuel prices, restaurants, Ford dealerships and Quick Lane Tire & Auto Centers.

The computer is integrated into the vehicle's center stack, filling the same space normally occupied by a standard radio. It is equipped with a 6.5-inch, high-resolution touch screen, four gigabytes of memory, a secure digital slot for added memory, a USB port and wireless keyboard and touch pad. A stylus, stored next to the CD slot, is included for use on the touch screen.

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Tracking Tools

Developed with DeWALT and ThingMagic, Ford Work Solutions' Tool Link offers owners the capability to mark and scan high-value tools, safety equipment, material inventories and other important assets using RFID tags. When the vehicle is running, a pair of RFID antennas, mounted in corrosion- and impact-resistant housings on the inside of the pickup box, scan the box for the items on a pre-programmed inventory list.

The data is transmitted to a reader mounted inside the cab and displayed on the in-dash computer screen, alerting the driver if any inventoried tools are not loaded on the truck.

Tool Link comes pre-loaded with several standard tool lists that are easily edited to reflect specific job types. The system uses industry standard second-generation RFID tags that can be fastened to tools or other items and can read and catalogue hundreds of tools or assets in just seconds.

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Manage the Crew

Ford Work Solutions' Crew Chief provides a telematics and diagnostics system that delivers real-time vehicle location and maintenance tracking, allowing fleet owners to quickly respond to calls and optimally deploy their fleets. The Crew Chief service has been developed with Microlise, a leader in telematics services.

The data is linked to a web-based application, which can be used by a fleet administrator in an office or anywhere there is Internet access – including a Ford Work Solutions in-dash computer. As an added benefit, Crew Chief interfaces with the vehicle's electrical architecture and can monitor numerous diagnostic functions, including tire pressure or check engine light codes. It also can be programmed to identify user-set alerts, such as unauthorized use of a vehicle, lack of seatbelt usage or excessive idling.

The system also will provide fuel calculations and fuel tax reporting, helping fleet managers and business owners manage costs more effectively.

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Master Lock Keeps Cargo Secure

Cable Lock, developed in partnership with Master Lock, is a convenient way to secure items such as toolboxes, air compressors, generators or large power tools that may need to be in the pickup box when the vehicle is parked.

The strong, 10-foot, 10-millimeter braided steel cable is wrapped in a protective plastic sheathing and is easily woven around toolbox handles or through and around items and then locked to the truck with a cuff-style clasp.

The clasp can be attached to any of the items in the box, any of the tie-down cleats, or simply clamped back onto the cable itself. The self-retractable cable is stored in a corrosion- and impact-resistant housing mounted to the inside wall at the rear of the pickup box. The unit is spring-loaded and uses a friction mechanism that gently will retract the cable when not in use. Cable Lock is easily installed on virtually any Ford pickup truck.

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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 205,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.