Ford launches telematics platform for commercial fleets

Ford Commercial Solutions launched Ford Telematics, a web-based software platform and subscription service designed to help commercial vehicle customers better manage and optimise the efficiency of their fleets.

A division of Ford Mobility, Ford Commercial Solutions is dedicated to helping fleets improve their operational effectiveness by offering manufacturer-grade connected vehicle data and information verified by Ford engineers.

Through Ford Telematics, commercial vehicle customers can monitor their fleets with GPS tracking and geofencing, get live vehicle health alerts to plan and limit downtime, set reminders for vehicle service,  analyse driver behaviour, and help manage fuel usage to potentially reduce costs.

“Fleet operators and managers are always looking for better ways to improve their business, but they can only do that if they have the right data at hand,” said Michelle Moody, Director, Ford Commercial Solutions. “Ford Telematics not only puts that essential information right at their fingertips, its intuitive interface and mobile companion app for drivers make it even easier to process all that data – meaning businesses can focus on what they do best: serving their customers.”

As part of a Ford Telematics subscription, commercial customers will also have access to the Ford Telematics Drive mobile app, which makes it possible to associate drivers with vehicles and for drivers to report the condition of their vehicles. Digital vehicle checks remove the need to file paperwork, and the app also allows drivers to relay information that may not be readily available through a vehicle’s telematic control unit, such as tyre conditions or broken mirrors.

The Ford Telematics Drive mobile app is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.

Ford Telematics takes advantage of Ford vehicles’ built-in modems to transfer data directly from the vehicle to the cloud, and to connect seamlessly with its platform – without the need for additional aftermarket hardware, third-party management or installation downtime.

All 2020 model year Ford and Lincoln vehicles come equipped with factory-installed connectivity. For vehicles already in service without factory-installed connectivity, Ford has developed the Ford Plug-In Modem Kit that businesses can use to ensure they receive data from their entire fleet. This kit uses a y-splitter so that the OBD II port remains free for other uses.

Image source: Ford