FORD PILOTS CONNECTED CAR TECH FOR BETTER JOURNEYS IN SMART CITIES – WITH TARGETED ALERTS SENT DIRECT TO DRIVERS’ SCREENS.

• Ford is exploring a new approach to providing drivers in urban areas with traffic info via its SYNC 3 connectivity system – using connected car technology 1  

• The pilot enables Ford drivers to access local updates sent direct to their vehicle screen by city authorities via SYNC AppLink technology – rather than by smartphone 1

• Ford is partnering with Alcobendas City Council, in Madrid, and tech companies Indigitall and RadMas, to demonstrate how live data could support connected vehicles and smart cities in becoming more sustainable, more efficient and safer.   

Many apps enable drivers to avoid traffic jams, road closures and accidents. However, notifications are usually sent to mobile phones. It may also be that such updates do not distinguish between traffic information and other updates, and do not take the device’s location into account.  

Ford is now piloting a secure and effective messaging system that sends updates directly to vehicles. This could help create smoother traffic ecosystems and safer, more sustainable cities.  

For the pilot in Madrid, Ford is partnering with Alcobendas City Council, and tech companies Indigitall and RadMas to integrate Ford’s SYNC 3 AppLink connectivity system with the Alcobendas City Council’s city app. 1

Now, city authorities there will be able to send real-time notifications – such as accidents, road closures, and congestion – specifically to Ford drivers in the vicinity. Messages are geo-specific to ensure selected, relevant information is tailored to the specific vehicle location. That information appears on the vehicle screen to avoid potential smartphone distractions.  

“This is another example of Ford’s strong commitment to connectivity as a tool for safer and more efficient mobility. Much of the intelligent infrastructure needed for a truly connected world is already in place today, and Ford vehicles already have the technology needed to design cities that prevent accidents or lost time due to traffic problems,” said Jesús Alonso, president and CEO, Ford of Spain.  

The Ford Mobility project is a test of how connected vehicles will be progressively integrated into virtual driver information systems, complementing traditional traffic signs and information panels. Connecting smart vehicles with smart cities will help generate greater knowledge of the environment, and lead to more livable cities and more sustainable commerce. The anonymised data collected by Ford could also help other cities make improvements.  

“This project has three points. On the one hand, that from the City Council we bring together very large companies with other small or incipient ones that also have fantastic projects. “On the other, that Alcobendas is a great urban laboratory; and thirdly, that the collaboration between the public and private sectors is fundamental for the development of a city,” said Rafael Sánchez Acera, Mayor of Alcobendas.

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1 Don’t drive while distracted or while using handheld devices. Use voice-operated systems when possible. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear. Not all features are compatible with all phones. Commands may vary by phone and AppLink software.

About Ford Motor Company;

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.  The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of those customers.  Ford designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of connected, increasingly electrified passenger and commercial vehicles:  Ford trucks, utility vehicles, vans and cars, and Lincoln luxury vehicles.  The company is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, connected vehicle services and mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  Ford employs about 186,000 people worldwide.  More information about the company, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company is available at corporate.ford.com.

Ford of Europe;

is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 50 individual markets and employs approximately 43,000 employees at its wholly owned facilities and consolidated joint ventures and approximately 55,000 people when unconsolidated businesses are included. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 14 manufacturing facilities (10 wholly owned facilities and four unconsolidated joint venture facilities). The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911.