By Dave Bean, Content Editor, FMW
January 31, 2024
Ford’s commercial division, Ford Pro, is unveiling both new and enhanced tech components designed to improve vehicle data utilized by fleet managers. The enhancements should provide more specific information about what transpires during vehicle operation and the associated risk being posed to the fleet. To accomplish this, Ford Pro is combining what were several separate hardware and software elements into Ford Pro Intelligence, a single integrated platform.
A key component within this singular platform is Ford Pro’s Telematics with Dashcam, comprised of:
- Windshield mounted camera
- Dual lenses capturing both road view and in-vehicle view
- Cloud connection with 30-day data storage
- Subscription-based analysis of data
The road view lens captures video footage that might be accessed in the event of an accident or other negative exterior vehicle occurrence. This footage can be used as both litigation support and as a corrective offering for errant drivers. The interior lens’ primary intention is to discourage distracted driver behaviors, such as cell phone usage, smoking or drinking.
Among the various activities that will automatically trigger the system to begin recording are:
- Failure to engage seatbelt
- Speeding
- Airbag deployment
- Driver option to manually record
“Fleet managers have more to deal with than ever: managing fleets, maximizing uptime, and minimizing the risks of accidents to drivers, vehicles, and their business,” said Dave Prusinski, general manager of Ford Pro Integrated Services. “Ford Pro Intelligence, now with video telematics, gives fleet managers more visibility and control over what’s happening inside the cabin and on the road. It’s like having a coach in the passenger seat.”
Another major piece of the Ford Pro Intelligence platform is its Upfit Integration System (UIS), which simplifies much of the vehicle upfitting process by:
- Eliminating demand for aftermarket components, such as modules, switches and additional control panels.
- Utilizing Vehicle Motion Inhibit Control, which will block a vehicle from going into gear if upfit apparatus is being used (soon to be introduced in U.S.).
- Engaging Sub Compartment Lock, which allows operators to program various codes to lock and unlock the many compartments on an upfitted vehicle, thus eliminating the necessity for actual keys.
- Offering Fleet Start Inhibit, which permits fleet managers to remotely disable the start function of a vehicle. This can be used to set specific usage schedules or prevent unauthorized use.
- Programming the versatile vehicle security app to alert during specific time frames or if certain activities occur.
To learn more about Ford Pro’s new and improved tech upgrades, click here.
