In today’s world, we have all come to rely heavily on mobile technology that allows us to stay connected no matter where we go. At the 2016 International Motor Show in Detroit, Ford Motor Co. announced the development of their own mobile platform known as FordPass. With this app, Ford and non-Ford owners will have access to a number of features including FordGuides, FordPay, and FlightCar. FordPass offers a suite of apps that have been designed to be used with smartphones. These apps will allow you to accomplish a number of tasks ranging from paying your bills to reserving rental cars, all by tapping a few buttons on your phone.
Ford Motor Company Moving to the Next Level
FordPass is the first major step in the development of the Ford Smart Mobility program in which Ford plans to move to the next level in customer service and connectivity. A membership to the FordPass program will be free to everyone when it becomes available in April of 2016. Mark Fields, Ford’s President and CEO, has this to say:” Ford always has been motivated to make people’s lives better. We did it when we put the world on wheels a century ago, and we do it now through our strong lineup of cars, SUVs, trucks and electrified vehicles. Today, we take our commitment one step further with the introduction of FordPass — an all-new platform that may be our most revolutionary yet.”
FordPass is expected to do for car owners, whether they own a Ford or not, what the iTunes app did for those who love music. Upon release, FordPass users will have access to the first three of what Ford indicates will be a number of apps to come in the future. These first three apps will allow users to accomplish a wide range of simple tasks aimed at making their lives on the go a little easier. FordPass will work with both iOS- and Android-powered devices, covering the largest segment of smartphone users in the United States.
FordGuides
In many ways, the FordGuides app has been designed to work in the same manner as the current GM offering of OnStar. Like all the FordPass services, you do not need to be a Ford owner to make use of this service. With the push of a button, you will have direct access to FordGuides, who are knowledgeable and helpful customer service professionals who can help you get where you’re going or accomplish other small tasks.
Among the many standard features built into FordGuides are:
- Navigation Assistance
- Emergency Roadside Assistance for issues like jump starts, lockouts, flat tires, gas delivery, and towing
- Parking reservations
- Reserving a table at your favorite restaurant
All services are provided completely free of charge. Even if you find you no longer need a car in the future, Ford believes you will still find plenty of uses for FordGuides, especially since the services they provide can replace those offered by credit card companies, rental car agencies, hotel concierges, and auto clubs. Ford Motor Company intends to branch out from being a leading automaker into becoming a leader in mobility services and technology.
FordPay
The average American no longer relies on paper checks or cash to pay their bills, as most have long since made the move to debit and credit cards and online bill pay. Electronic payment methods have proven faster and more reliable, especially with the rise of online shopping. Ford Motor Co. has seen these changes and is aware that the American public continues to look for more convenience, especially with regard to mobility apps. This desire for more access to everything on the go led Ford to develop the FordPay system, which is in effect a virtual wallet.
The FordPass app is truly all about convenience, according to Stephen Odell, Ford’s executive vice president of global marketing, sales, and service, who says, “We’re connecting consumers with the world, making it all incredibly easy.” The FordPay system functions in much the same way as the Apple Pay in that you will be able to pay for many of the items and services available via FordPass directly through your smartphone.
The FordPass app also features a built-in rewards program called FordAppreciation. The app will not only recognize your membership, but has been designed to grant you access to unique merchandise and a variety of members-only experiences. Thanks to the rewards program, you will also have the opportunity to earn or win a variety of perks from the various partner members. The Ford Appreciation program will award points for simply registering, and users can increase their points after completing specific actions, such as making a parking reservation or using the FordGuidesapp. Among the many partners in the FordPay and FordAppreciation program are:
- 7-Eleven
- McDonald’s
- ParkWhiz
- Parkopedia
FlightCar
At one point in human history, we shared what we had with those in need. This could have been anything from a team of oxen for plowing the fields to the tools needed to build a cabin. In recent years, ride-sharing services such as Uber have once again brought the idea of sharing back to the forefront. According to Ford, FlightCar is an app intended to take this concept to the next level and may prove to be one of the most popular features of the FordPass system.
When FordPass is first released in April of 2016, the FlightCar app will help users find vehicles they can borrow or share when traveling. As the app expands its range, Ford states it will help you to arrange ride shares, car sharing, and a wide range of “multi-modal transportation” options. The best way to interpret this is to say that FlightCar will help you get from point A to point B and all points in between, regardless of the transportation option you choose. It may include everything from loaner cars and bicycles to public light-rail, depending on the geographic location, to help keep the costs of your trip under control.
FordHubs
No mobility app is worth its salt if it doesn’t come with plenty of support. To this end, Ford has announced the launch of a series of FordHubs in cities like San Francisco, New York, London, and Shanghai. These FordHubs will offer users a suite of services intended to enhance their experiences as FordPass members.
These FordHubs will offer information regarding the many mobility services available in these cities and help you find new solutions for your various mobility needs. They will also offer a real-time mobility map of the city, which will become particularly beneficial for out-of-town visitors. Another fun aspect of the FordHubs app is the opportunity to enjoy special events, including access to the latest Ford Motor Company reveals. You may even get the chance to see the new models before they debut before the public.
The all-new FordPass system is set to launch in the United States and Canada in April of 2016 and will roll out in Europe, Brazil, and China later in the year. All you need is to use FordPass is a smartphone powered by either iOS or Android. You can learn more about FordPass at the official website and receive updates via email.
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