Ford Commercial Solutions introduces two connected vehicle products delivered through the Transportation Mobility Cloud (TMC), an open platform that securely manages information flow to and from Ford vehicles’ embedded modems.
Data Services takes advantage of Ford vehicles’ built-in modem to transfer data directly from the vehicle to the cloud, without the need for additional third-party hardware, management or installation downtime, as is required for a third-party plug-in device. The vehicle data is relayed to a fleet’s internal IT system or telematics service provider through an application program interface. Fleets can access GPS location, mileage, fuel use data, vehicle health alerts, and driver behavior. Because Ford designed the vehicle – including its electrical architecture, data systems and vehicle technology – the company is able to provide the newest updates and vehicle signals as soon as they become available.
The second product is designed to support law enforcement fleets. The tool distills information collected through the Data Services product insights on fuel usage, carbon dioxide emissions, vehicle health, and driver seatbelt usage. The data is shared through an intuitive website that provides law enforcement operators with an easy way to check how their fleet, or a particular vehicle, is operating.
Ford vehicles that are not equipped with modems will be able to take advantage of both products later this year, when a plug-in device will be available for vehicles dating to the 2012 model year.
Additionally, Ford Commercial Solutions has secured service agreements with Geotab and Spireonas, in addition to maintaining its relationship with Verizon Connect, so customers can choose which telematics service provider is the best fit for their fleet.
