Thursday, 11 of March of 2010
Love cars? Love travel? Then you're in the right place
Submit your cruise and car show calendar information to laviolette.autoscribe
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Twitter: michiganwllzDETROIT — While speakers all across The Business of Plugging in conference are obsessed with fuel economy and reduced emissions and how to get there, John Waraniak just wants to talk about how cars will continue to be fun.
Date: October 21, 2009
Categories: Connected vehicle, Electric vehicles, Technology, Uncategorized, green
Technology has advanced at a dizzying pace and there’s no sign of it letting up anytime soon. Here are a four technologies that will change the face of automotive transportation in the coming decade.
DEARBORN — A groundbreaking research project by Ford and Auburn University shows that global positioning system (GPS) satellites that can “talk” to cars could help prevent serious accidents in the future.
The researchers have found potential for a GPS satellite to act as an early warning system that detects when a vehicle is about to lose control and communicate with the vehicle’s stability control systems and other safety features to prevent a rollover or other serious accident.
The first decade of the new millennium has given us some fantastic new vehicle technologies. Here’s a few of my favorites. Feel free to add your own.
YPSILANTI — So connected vehicles are coming, but when?
Experts who gathered for a forum on connected vehicles sponsored by the Center for Automotive Research disagreed about the timeframe.
Date: September 30, 2009
Categories: Automotive trends, Connected vehicle, Technology, Vehicle electronics, green
Ford Work Solutions helps workers improve efficiency.
By BRYAN LAVIOLETTE
DEARBORN — Ford knows that many of its trucks become rolling offices. So it is now offering Ford Work Solutions, an in-vehicle computer system that will do everything from helping contractors rework bids to making sure they have all of their tools when they leave the job site.
Paul Russell, marketing manager for FWS and Sync, said FWS can connect to the Internet, allowing the contractor on the job site to revise orders or check prices on different products. The Crew Chief system allows company managers to keep tabs on workers, telling them where they are at and how the vehicle is being used.
A wireless keyboard that comes with the system, developed with the help of Magneti Marelli, gives it the functionality of a laptop computer. It includes a spreadsheet program, pdf viewer, calendar and calculator, Russell said. There’s even an optional wireless printer.
Vehicle connectivity costs $50 per month through Sprint. Russell said the company partnered with Sprint because the carrier already has a large part of the contractors’ market with its Nextel Direct Connect system.
But unlike a laptop, FWS is integrated into the vehicle, so there’s no cumbersome aftermarket bracket and the computer doesn’t have to be put away. Because it’s a part of the vehicle, it’s covered by Ford’s vehicle warranty and it’s engineered to original equipment manufacturers specifications, Russell said.
The keyboard easily stows in the center console or map pocket on the door.
Of course, since FWS is based on Ford’s revolutionary Sync system, it integrates phone and navigation, although mp3 functionality is reduced since the system is geared for contractors, Russell said. Because it’s based on Sync, Ford offers it for just $1,195. Some systems offering just navigation cost more than that.
OK, so how does the system make sure you don’t leave your table saw at the job site? First, Ford worked with Master Locks on Cable Locks, to make sure tools are not stolen.
But here’s the cool part. Ford worked with DeWalt on Tool Link, a system where RFID tags are placed on tools and antennas in the bed send out signals looking for them. Missing a tool? FWS tells you what’s not there.
FWS is available on 2010 F-150, Super Duty, E-Series vans and TransitConnect vehicles.
Watch for a full review of the system soon at Michigan wllz.
Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally
By BRYAN LAVIOLETTE
DEARBORN – For the second year in a row, Alan Mulally, president and CEO of Ford, will deliver a major speech at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association, which sponsors CES, told a group of reporters at a luncheon Monday that while some may view the automaker as a “Rust Belt” company, he sees the opposite.
