At today’s Chicago Auto Show, Ford’s President of the Americas, Mark Fields, introduced a quartet of features called “Ford Work Solutions” designed to make life easier for work trucks and fleet users. The highlight feature, an in-dash computer system, will be available on the 2009 Ford F-150. A tool-tracking system for the truck’s bed and a fleet management program were also introduced to the media.
The in-dash computer features a 6.5 inch, high-resolution touch screen. Badged by Magneti Marelli, the system uses Microsoft software and connects to the Internet with Sprint Mobile Broadband. It comes with 2GB built-in memory and an SD input. In addition to working as a radio and CD changer, the system also includes Garmin navigation with real-time traffic updates.
Optional accessories include a Logitec wireless keyboard and mouse and a wireless inkjet printer. The system can also be retrofitted to certain existing Ford models.
Ford’s Tool Link system, developed with DeWalt, includes RF ID tags that can be attached to tools. The users can scan the tools with a bed-mounted scanner and then confirm that all tools are in the bed when leaving a destination via the in-dash computer. The system is mostly designed for commercial users and it will allow fleet operators to track a company’s tools.
Ford and Master Lock developed a cable lock system that integrates into the bed of the 2009 F-150. A retractable, eight foot, spring-loaded cable lock can be used to secure items against theft in the bed of the truck.
Completing Ford’s “Work Solutions” items is a new program for commercial users called Crew Chief. The system, aimed at fleet operators, allows users to track other fleet vehicles from either the in-dash computer system or remotely. Not only will it display the location of fleet vehicles, but it will also display the contents of the bed – if the truck is equipped with Tool Link – to help fleet operators send the “right truck” to the “right place,” according to Fields.
02/07, 12:16 PM
posted by:
jonnycat
!st post
02/07, 12:52 PM
posted by:
lucklaster
Damn. If you are in the construction and services business this is a great set of options. And if they are priced right and get volumn discounts then I say good going Ford. Very smart and creative. What’s next?
02/07, 1:06 PM
posted by:
SwerveEarly
Tool tracking is very usefull. Hell all of it has great use for certain applications.
02/07, 2:57 PM
posted by:
mujician
I’m glad they went with Sprint Broadband. Some of those networks out there are so slow (AT&T).
02/07, 3:58 PM
posted by:
Bimmer
Great option, Ford. Way to go! *THUMBS UP*
02/07, 7:31 PM
posted by:
terminator
Having worked in the construction business this is going to go a long ways with those kinds of businesses just off the tool tracking aspect alone. Most of the time trucks are a supervisors office so if you can provide as many tools as possible for them to do their job without having to go back and forth between the job site and a real office you can save a lot of money.
Way to think ahead Ford!