With the impact of COVID-19 wreaking havoc on all industries, we are constantly seeing changes when it comes to how companies buy and sell merchandise. Now, Ford has taken it upon themselves to make the car buying experience even easier. Today, Ford announced for the first time ever, that it is introducing a new Remote Vehicle Setup function on the Mustang Mach-E.
During a video conference, Ford’s global EV digital experience manager stated ”It allows them to personalize their vehicle [even] before taking delivery.” Customers are able to do this remotely, via the FordPass app on their smartphone or on a separate website. “We call it the bridge to ownership,” Raia said.
Immediately following the purchase of the Mach-e, the new owner is able to start learning about their new car and personalizing it. These adjustments include, adding favorite destinations to the navigation system, scheduling home charging time to avoid peak charging hours, locating nearby charging stations, and pre-selecting climate-control functions. Raia said this is all designed “to get customers really excited about their vehicle.” Once the new vehicle is delivered the personalized settings are transferred, giving the owner exactly what they want from the get-go.
In addition, Raia stated ”We’re working fast and furious on radio presets,” something that isn’t supported yet. Once supported, this feature will work with AM, FM and SiriusXM bands. Cellular data is used to deliver setup information which is all encrypted for max security.
Ford hopes that its new Remote Vehicle Setup will help in familiarizing new owners with the new Mach-E, especially if it’s their first EV, as well as allowing them to customize their new purchase.
Ford’s EV product manager, Natalie Holoday, commented on the setup “This feature is really unique and exciting … because it is available before delivery.” Adding that majority of women would rather set up their new vehicle at home rather than at a dealership.
Remote Vehicle Setup will only be offered on the Ford Mustang Mach-E for the time being. However, according to Raia “the goal is certainly to roll it out across other vehicles.” Though no other products were mentioned, we can only expect that Ford will extend the setup to all its redesigned vehicles going forward.
Ford is expected to start deliveries of its Mustang Mach-E toward the end of this year in the US with customers able to start customizing three to four weeks before Ford begins deliveries.