Ford Work Solutions makes the F-150 smarter and more capable

Ford Work Solutions is an industry-exclusive suite of innovative and affordable technologies that includes four industry-first features:

• An in-dash computer, powered by Microsoft Windows CE with Windows Auto, provides full high-speed Internet access, via Sprint Mobile Broadband Network, and works with Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones. The “Built Ford Tough’ computer, integrated into the trucks’ center stack, is equipped with a 6.5-inch, high-resolution touch screen (with stylus), two gigabytes of memory, a secure digital slot for additional memory, a USB port, and a wireless keyboard and mouse.
• Tool Link – a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) asset tracking system created in partnership with DEWALT– helps keep a detailed inventory of the tools or equipment in the pickup box. RFID tags can be fastened to tools or other items; a number of tags are provided with the system, with additional tags available through DEWALT. When the vehicle is started, a pair of RFID antennas, mounted in corrosion- and impact-resistant housings on the inside of the pickup box, scan the box for the items on a pre-programmed inventory list. Hundreds of RFID tags can be read in a matter of seconds.
• Crew Chief, a telematics and diagnostics system, links data to a web-based application that can be used by a fleet administrator and viewed anywhere there is Internet access, such as Ford Work Solutions’ in-dash computer.
• Cable Lock is a robust locking system developed in partnership with MasterLock® to keep valuable equipment secure in an open pickup box. The strong, eight-foot, 10 millimeter steel cable is easily woven around toolbox handles or through and around items and locked to the truck with a cuff-style clasp. It can be installed on virtually any Ford pickup truck.

Ford Work Solutions will be available later this summer on the 2009 F-150 XL, XLT and FX4, and F-Series Super Duty XL and XLT pickups and E-Series vans. Transit Connect vans join the lineup in mid 2009. Many items will be available for dealer installation to upgrade existing trucks already in service.