Ford Rolls Out Vastly Better Internet Connectivity, Starting With The Mustang Mach-E

There’s extra lasting significance to the Ford Mustang Mach-E moreover the obvious takeaways — battery energy and Ford Motor Co.’s daring to place the Mustang identify on an electrical car.

Notably, the Ford Mustang Mach-E is the vanguard of a brand new technology of Web connectivity for Ford, giving the automaker the flexibility to carry out so-called over-the-air software program updates, with out requiring a visit to a dealership.

“Our connectivity funding goes to take this automotive enterprise to the following degree,” mentioned Ford government Marion Harris, on the Deutsche Financial institution 2019 AutoTech Convention in San Francisco, on Dec. 10.

“Shoppers in the present day are more and more anticipating connectivity and companies of their automobiles. And like smartphones, they anticipate these companies to enhance over time. Connectivity permits us to try this with over-the-air updates,” he mentioned.

Along with distant software program updates, enhanced connectivity would sooner or later enable Ford to carefully monitor real-world car efficiency, doubtlessly all the way in which right down to particular person elements.

Ford may use that information to be taught which options prospects really use essentially the most — or the least — to assist inform selections for future fashions. The corporate may additionally warn prospects of service necessities earlier than elements really fail. Ford may additionally use the information to enhance the design of latest elements going ahead, Harris mentioned.

That’s not only for the Mustang Mach-E, however for all future fashions within the U.S. lineup, as extra new automobiles are launched, and present fashions are redesigned, Harris mentioned.

Harris is president and CEO of captive finance firm Ford Motor Credit score Co. He represented Ford on the AutoTech Convention as a result of previous to becoming a member of Ford Credit score, which took impact Nov. 1, he was vp accountable for Ford’s Mobility Enterprise Group.

Web connectivity isn’t new. In actual fact, Ford’s U.S. lineup is already approaching 100% connectivity, however up to now its use is usually restricted to infotainment features, Harris mentioned.

“Connectivity is a recreation changer for our enterprise,” he mentioned. “It permits us to replace options whereas fixing bugs, and prospects don’t have to return to dealerships, which reduces prices and drives buyer satisfaction.”