Ford dongle upgrades connectivity in older-model vehicles
The FordPass SmartLink plugs into the OBD II port below the vehicle’s steering wheel, giving owners of 2010-17 model year Ford vehicles connectivity features normally only available on newer vehicles equipped with modems. The device adds a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, smartphone control of existing key fob features, vehicle health and security alerts, and vehicle location tracking to older vehicles.
“Vehicle connectivity has improved at a rapid rate in recent years,” says Frederiek Toney, president, Global, Ford Customer Service Division. “We believe offering an affordable way for our customers to upgrade their older-model vehicles to include more modern technology will improve their ownership experience for years to come.”
The device, says the company, is the latest example of Ford’s aggressive connected vehicle plan. By 2019, 100% of its new U.S. vehicles will be built with connectivity.
The FordPass SmartLink was designed in collaboration with Aptiv and Verizon Connect and represents more than two years of research and development, the company says.
“From security to performance, we’ve conducted extensive testing and made a number of improvements to ensure FordPass SmartLink enhances the customer experience for our Ford vehicle owners,” says Don Butler, Executive Director, Connected Vehicle and Services, Ford Motor Company.
The FordPass SmartLink will be available through Ford dealerships nationwide starting in mid-2018. Cost will be $16.99 a month, plus installation, for 24 months to purchase the device and receive telematics services that enable remote key fob, location, and vehicle health features.
A complimentary trial of a Verizon 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot with 1 gigabyte or 30 days of data – whichever comes first – is also included. To continue use of the Wi-Fi hotspot beyond the initial trial period, customers can add their FordPass SmartLink device to their existing Verizon account or establish a new one.
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