Last year we announced the launch of the Ford Smart Mobility Plan, a global study of driver behaviour, transportation priorities, and mobility issues and trends. The study’s ongoing goal is to find solutions to challenges faced not only by Ford customers, but by all consumers on a planet where the booming number of cars, bikes, buses, and pedestrians are all competing for precious road space.
Now, we are unveiling a revolutionary new product built on the study’s data and insights called FordPass. As part of our transformation into an auto and mobility company, we have designed it to help consumers get around more easily and with less hassle. It is a platform of digital and physical services that can improve consumers’ lives by saving them time, money, and stress, ultimately aiming to do the same thing for car owners that iTunes did for music fans. FordPass launches in Canada and the U.S. in April, and later in Europe, Asia, and South America.
FordPass will be available both inside the vehicle and out with many of its features accessible through a smartphone app. Membership is free and open to both Ford owners and non-owners.
Here’s a look at the four main areas of the FordPass ecosystem along with some of the features in each.
Marketplace
Covering key mobility issues and solutions, the marketplace has convenience at its heart. Remember the last time you went to a big sports event and circled around trying to find a place to park? FordPass takes the madness out of the moment with a smart parking feature. It gives members the ability to reserve a parking spot in advance through ParkWhiz or Parkopedia and pay for it using Ford’s new virtual wallet, FordPay. Similarly, members can use FlightCar to borrow and share vehicles when they travel. We are also exploring other mobility services such as ride sharing, car sharing, multimodal transportation and more.
For Ford owners who need a scheduled maintenance or service appointment, FordPass provides a direct connection to a preferred dealer and tracks account records. Those owners with Ford’s SYNC Connect can use FordPass to check all kinds of vitals about their vehicle, including oil and fuel levels, battery life, and tire pressure.
FordGuides
How often do we decide whether to venture out depending on the local traffic report? FordGuides provides live, trusted advisors who know the roads and can offer assistance for getting around — whether you choose to drive or take public transportation. One quick push of a button or a click-to-chat and you’re connected and saving time and energy. Planning a visit to a new city? Imagine the convenience of your own personal Ford guide, available 24 hours a day, to get you there efficiently. FordPass members can use these guides free of charge. Their only job is to guide, serve and advise on mobility challenges – not to sell.
Appreciation and FordPass Perks
Loyalty has its rewards. Here, FordPass members can gain access to a variety of perks that add joy to their mobility. This includes access to merchandise and unique experiences through exclusive deals with 7-Eleven, McDonald’s and other partners. Members will earn rewards for simple things like registering, booking parking or interacting with FordGuides. But that’s just the start of the FordPass Perks program. In the future, Ford will capitalize on its global brand recognition to connect with international and regional partners who can offer rewards that make consumers’ lives better.
FordHubs
Like a local repository of mobility knowledge, FordHubs are urban storefronts staffed by FordGuides. Consumers, whether Ford owners or not, can take advantage of the expertise in each centre to inquire about local transportation solutions, check out maps, and discover innovations coming from Ford. These non-transactional sites will launch later this year in four major markets: New York, San Francisco, London, and Shanghai.
Because the Ford Smart Mobility Plan is ongoing, FordPass users can expect continual refinement and new iterations built on fresh data. That will keep this dynamic new product useful and one step ahead.