Home is everywhere you are - Ford and Maytag equip minivan with washer/dryer, microwave and vacuum
'One of a Kind' Ford Windstar on display at the 'One of a Kind' Show in Toronto
Toronto, Ontario, November 22, 2000 -- Is your work schedule so tight that your vehicle is often your office? Is it a miracle when your five-year-old makes it to kindergarten without wearing her breakfast? Need a solution?
Making its first appearance in Canada, the Windstar Solutions minivan -- equipped with time-saving appliances for on-the-go consumers as well as technology that links drivers to their home -- will be on display at the One of a Kind Show and Sale at the National Trade Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto, November 23 to December 3, 2000.
Ford Motor Company and Maytag Corporation teamed up to create this one-of-a-kind "idea" vehicle outfitted with a refrigerator, microwave, washer/dryer and other home appliances because research shows that as people's lives grow more hectic, they spend more time in their vehicles.
"After talking to consumers and listening to how their lives have changed due to longer commutes, more double-career families, and 24-7 work expectations, Ford developed the Windstar Solutions concept vehicle. A concept vehicle is a great way to get consumers' reactions to new ideas because they can actually see, touch and experience the innovations," said Dean Stoneley, the Windstar brand manager at Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. "What people tell us about a concept vehicle like the Windstar Solutions helps Ford to build cars and trucks in the future that will truly fit how people live their lives."
What's Inside?
Ford and Maytag co-designed Windstar Solutions to extend the convenience of home to the vehicle. The appearance and placement of appliances and entertainment options furnish consumers with the best in flexible and smart transportation. The list includes:
Microwave: Placed in the rear cargo area, it will be handy when the need for a baby bottle, hot chocolate, soup or even popcorn arises.
Washer/dryer: Spills on clothing are common, especially with children in the vehicle. A miniature Maytag combination washer/dryer is built into the rear cargo area of Windstar Solutions. A shirt or party dress could be washed and dried in 15 minutes.
Refrigerator: Maytag's exclusive ClimateZone ™ technology food drawer is featured in the cargo compartment enabling consumers to set the proper temperature for certain foods -- especially meat, fruit and vegetables. There is also a refrigerated compartment in the rear passenger area. These built-in units provide convenient storage of perishable items purchased at the grocery store, allowing customers to continue their errands without stopping at home.
Cooler: Located behind the driver and front-passenger seats, the cooler stores items such as bottled water, pop and juice boxes. It is also removable for use at picnics or soccer games.
Hot/cold cup holders: Located between the passenger and driver, the hot/cold cup holders keep your milk cold and your coffee hot.
Trash compactor: Windstar Solutions has a trash compactor located between the front seats and a trash bin in the vehicle cargo area. Both trash units have a washable liner, which can be removed for easy cleaning.
Wet/dry utility vacuum: The Hoover wet/dry utility vacuum is placed in the side panel adjacent to the second row passenger seating. Hoover, a Maytag division, provides the dual-purpose appliance, which eliminates cracker crumbs, beach sand and spilled juice.
Tray tables: Tray tables fold down from the seat backs of the front captain's chairs, providing children and adults a great place to eat a snack, complete a puzzle, read or do homework.
Home Connection: Home Connection, a conceptual idea, adds a unique twist to the Ford Motor Company's Telematics system. This concept could enable future drivers to remain connected to their homes by preheating the oven, checking home food inventories and monitoring home security and fire systems while driving, by using voice activated technology.
Entertainment package: Passengers can experience hours of entertainment by choosing between viewing movies or playing CD-ROM interactive electronic games. Game controllers and CD storage are built in.
Windstar Solutions seats six, a must for the family taking the kids and their stuff to practice or the empty nest couple heading out with friends. Ford's power adjustable pedal system allows the driver to choose the optimum distance from the instrument panel and steering wheel. The accelerator and brake pedals adjust up to three inches horizontally, giving more comfort to drivers of varying heights and sizes.
The Ford Windstar Solutions is on display for the duration of the 26th annual One of a Kind Show at the National Trade Centre, Exhibition Place in Toronto, November 23 to December 3, 2000. On November 23, Dean Stoneley, brand manager for the Ford Windstar, will be available to answer questions regarding this unique concept vehicle.
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