New Ford trucks are being built for business, and two area companies have a role in it.
Garmin International and Sprint are supplying technology for Ford Work Solutions, an in-dash computer system that will connect mobile workers with their offices — and even keep track of their tools.
The system will be an option on Ford F-Series trucks and E-Series vans this fall. The Ford Claycomo plant builds the F-150.
The system will include an in-dash computer powered by Microsoft Auto that will use Sprint wireless to allow workers to connect to their home or office networks and to the Internet.
Garmin is supplying the navigation component, the company’s first deal with a vehicle manufacturer to build a customized in-dash navigation system.
The system will use Garmin’s trademark “where to” interface and include voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions and a large database of nearby businesses and attractions. It will receive traffic information, weather and gas prices by linking to Garmin Online.
While Garmin has supplied customized navigators for car and motorcycle manufacturers, the deal with Ford marks the first time Garmin navigation will be installed by a vehicle manufacturer at the factory.
Beyond that, Ford Work Solutions is all business.
The computer can be connected to a Bluetooth-enabled printer to print reports or invoices while still at the job site.
Ford’s Tool Link lets users mark their tools with RFID tags. When the tools are not returned to the pickup boxes in the rear of the truck, the computer flashes a warning on the in-dash computer screen.
“It helps contractors and tradespeople guarantee they show up at the job site with the right tools for each job — and that they don’t leave equipment behind,” said William Frykman, a Ford product development manager.
The computer also tells fleet managers exactly where the truck is, to dispatch on-the-road work crews more efficiently.
Some features are not quite as high-tech.
The system includes an 8-foot steel cable that can be connected to gear in the back of the truck to prevent theft.
Ford announced the in-dash com center Wednesday at the Chicago Auto Show.
“Our truck customers are smart — and they work hard,” Mark Fields, Ford’s president, said in a release. “Ford Work Solutions provides truck customers new technologies and tools to help them work even smarter and further boost their productivity.”
The system will be available this fall in 2009 Ford F-150 and F-Series Super Duty trucks and E-Series vans. The technology will be added to Transit Connect vans in mid-2009.
Ford shares closed down 12 cents, at $6.31. Garmin closed at $63.41, down 37 cents. Sprint closed at $9.62, down 25 cents.
Leave a Reply