FordPass: Free platform promises to be 'iTunes for car drivers'

Ford has just announced a whole suite of programmes exploring new technology, whether it is an autonomous car driving through thick snow, or whether it is how the car and driver can more closely integrate through wearable technology like glasses and bracelets.

But one of the most interesting developments is FordPass. Ford claims that this is iTunes for car drivers. This free platform, which will launch in April, gives access to a whole range of services which come under the general heading of ‘mobility’.

These services include the ability to find parking spaces thanks to new software, and connects users who want to share cars or rental schemes. FordPass will also include FordGuides. These are assistants who are there to guide, serve and help solve mobility problems, so FordGuides will allow live chats through FordPass. Ford are quick to state that the aim of this is ‘not to sell’.

Other benefits will be that owners will be able to remotely control some car functions through Ford’s SYNC Connect infotainment system. On a more prosaic level, it will also allow owners to connect directly with their Ford dealership to arrange servicing and other tasks.

As an extension of this, Ford has launched a pilot scheme so that groups of between three to six people can club together to lease a Ford car, with the costs dependent on how much each user needs the car. This is aimed at families and also neighbours or work groups.