Ford NZ gets connected

Thursday, 16 July 2020

Here's how you can connect your phone to your Ford using FordPass Connect.

Ford New Zealand has launched its FordPass Connect system that will see a number of new models launching with an embedded modem that contained a SIM card to connect to the internet.

The new system will work in combination with the FordPass app and allows for a direct connection between the driver’s phone and the vehicle to allow a wide range of connectivity features, including remote lock/unlock and remote stop/start directly from an owners phone.

The modem will appear first in the updated Ranger, Everest and Transit that are due to appear in showrooms this month and will spread across the entire Ford range as other models are updated and replaced.

The FordPass Connect system will allow owners a wide range of controls and notifications on the phones.

“FordPass Connect is another way we’re bringing smart, simple-to-use real-world technology into the hands of Ford owners and their families,” said Simon Rutherford, Managing Director, Ford New Zealand.

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Ford says the modem will be a standard feature on all of its new vehicles as they are introduced.

“FordPass Connect makes life simpler and easier, and as our best-selling vehicles in New Zealand, we’ve chosen Ranger, Everest and Transit as the first to offer this innovative technology as standard.”

At launch, the initial features of the FordPass app and FordPass Connect modem include:

Vehicle status and remote vehicle monitoring: owners can check their vehicle’s fuel level, tyre pressures (where digital read-out tyre pressure monitoring system is fitted) and mileage on their smartphone.
Remote start and stop: drivers can start their vehicle’s engine from home, the office or elsewhere via smartphone, enabling the vehicle’s cabin to commence heating or cooling to the last known setting. The vehicle can only be driven once the proximity key is inside the vehicle though.
Remote lock and unlock: drivers can lock and unlock their vehicle remotely, meaning they don’t have to rush back to their cars to check if they have remembered to lock their doors, but also allowing drivers to let passengers into their vehicle regardless of whether they are there or not
Live traffic updates: this delivers ongoing, instant traffic updates to the embedded navigation system, including comprehensive traffic information and alternate routeing when congestion and heavy traffic conditions are detected.
Vehicle locator: using the map and location tracker in the FordPass app, drivers can find their way back to their vehicle in a busy parking area. The system also allows for real-time location of the vehicle when someone else is driving.
Vehicle health alerts: alerts can be sent directly to a smart device pre-empting service needs, general maintenance such as a washer fluid low alert, and more. The alert is designed to identify specific issues and even recommend a course of action.

Ford stresses that the features available at launch represent the “foundations” of the Ford Pass Connect system and that further features are likely in the future, although none of the company representatives present at the online launch event would be drawn on what those might be.

Jonathan Richards, FordPass launch director based in the USA said “FordPass puts the power of ownership in the palm of your hand.”

“It is a strong foundational ecosystem that offers a substantial set of high-value features that have been demonstrated through Europe, the US and China for some time.

“We’re starting with those [in Australia and New Zealand] and we will build further features on top in the future.”

The FordPass Connect modem will come as standard in all future Ford models launched in New Zealand and the core services will remain cost-free “for the life of the modem”, with the live traffic updates being free for the first three years.

The company is undecided on the on-going charges for the live traffic updates at this stage, with Ford Australia’s mobility and connectivity manager for Australia and New Zealand, Christine Wagner saying “We have no intention to charge for [the basic command and control features]. The live traffic is free for three years, and we are still deciding what to do after that.”

“The platform allows for subscription content, but we have no intention of charge at this stage, while the free connection also moves with the car to subsequent owners.”

To that end, security and privacy protection is, of course, a concern. This is something Ford says it has covered, using a secure server for connecting the vehicles to the owner’s phones, with Wagner saying “there is an incredible priority put on connected vehicle data privacy” to the extent that Ford can’t even intervene to stop a stolen car.

“We take this very seriously,” said Richards, “more than 7 million users around the globe have control of their vehicles, and we have no reports of [any security breaches] happening.”

Security concerns were around the FordPass Connect system in the USA recently, but Richards says they arose form the vehicles in question not having a ‘Master reset” done after being sold. The master reset system can be done from the car and severs all links between the in-car system and previous users.

The FordPass app is available for download now on Google Play and the Apple App store, while the modem-equipped vehicles are starting to roll into showrooms now. According to Ford the modem will connect to both the Spark and Vodafone mobile networks, ensuring it always has the best connection possible.