Van crime is on the increase in Europe with a tradesperson’s van now broken into once every 23 minutes in the U.K. Insurance claims for tool theft rose by more than 50 per cent in 2019, with theft costing U.K. tradespeople £264 million (€290 million) a year, or £11,566 (€12,746) on average per victim. 1
Ford has now developed Guard Mode, a connected-vehicle security system that monitors vans in real-time and alerts small fleet managers, owner-operators and drivers via their smartphone of potential breaches in security. 2
Accessed using the FordPass Pro smartphone app, Guard Mode is the first feature that Ford will activate with an over‑the‑air (OTA) software update, and will be progressively rolled out across the manufacturer’s vehicle line-up. 3
How Guard Mode works
Guard Mode is integrated into FordPass Pro, the smartphone app that helps owners to manage and control up to five vehicles, ensuring their fleet is ready for work with maximum uptime.
When activated – for example after business hours or at the weekend – Guard Mode employs various sensors to detect when someone enters the vehicle, opens the bonnet or load compartment, or starts the engine. It then sends – using the vehicle’s FordPass Connect modem – a push notification to the owner’s smartphone.
Guard Mode will even send an alert if a vehicle is unlocked or started using a key – an action that would not trigger a conventional vehicle alarm and may be useful in light of a key being stolen or cloned.
The Guard Mode screens in the FordPass Pro app highlight the times the vehicle was accessed, the reason for alarms, when trigger actions happened and the vehicle’s last known location.
Soon, FordPass Pro app users will be able to schedule when Guard Mode is activated. Ford continues to work with owners and partners to develop further features that bring peace of mind to those who rely on their vehicle – and its contents – for their work.
Guard Mode builds on existing alarm notifications in FordPass Pro, including Trailer Theft Alert, which sends an alert if it detects an attached trailer is being unhooked while the vehicle is locked.
Over-the-air updates
Ford will now wirelessly deliver many new features and quality enhancements to customers’ vehicles as soon as they become available, enhancing productivity while minimising downtime for service centre visits. In an industry-first for commercial vehicles, Guard Mode will be the first new feature to be activated by an OTA software update.
Regular OTA software updates will use FordPass Connect, which is now fitted as standard across the vast majority of Ford commercial vehicles. Subscription to FordPass Connect connected vehicle services – which includes a wide range of remote productivity and convenience features via the FordPass Pro app, including Guard Mode – has now been made complimentary to European customers.
Quotes
“Our vans help keep our customers moving and the tools inside keep them working. FordPass Pro and Guard Mode help owners protect their vehicles – and their businesses – by keeping them one step ahead of the criminals. And this is just the start. As all new vehicles now come connected, we see huge potential in developing additional security features to help our customers’ businesses thrive.”
Mark Harvey, director, Enterprise Connectivity, Ford of Europe
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1 https://www.expressandstar.com/news/crime/2019/12/14/west-midlands-branded-van-theft-hotspot/
https://www.insurancetimes.co.uk/news/claims-costs-more-than-double-for-van-tool-theft/1431323.article https://www.whatvan.co.uk/news/2020/theft-from-vans-costs-trade-professionals-264-million-a-year,-survey-finds
2 Guard Mode feature will be activated by an over-the-air software update for owners of existing vehicles with an activated FordPass Connect modem who are using the FordPass Pro app, and will be installed as standard on new vehicles. FordPass Pro app available in the following European countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and U.K.
3 The FordPass Pro smartphone app, FordPass Connect and complimentary connected services are required for remote features (see FordPass terms for details). Connected services and features depend network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features. FordPass Pro smartphone app connectivity requires FordPass Connect to be activated in the vehicle. FordPass Pro app compatible with Apple and Android smartphones and is available from the Apple App Store and Google Play store in 20 markets in Europe
For more information on this story please contact Chris Seymour: Chris.Seymour@hkstrategies.com
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification; mobility solutions, including self-driving services; and connected services. Ford employs approximately 187,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.
Ford of Europe is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 50 individual markets and employs approximately 45,000 employees at its wholly owned facilities and consolidated joint ventures and approximately 58,000 people when unconsolidated businesses are included. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 18 manufacturing facilities (12 wholly owned facilities and six unconsolidated joint venture facilities). The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911.
