Ford is reportedly preparing to push its first over-the-air (OTA) software updates for the Mustang Mach-E. This first to receive the update will be a small group of users much like Tesla did with its Full Self-Driving Beta when it was released to a group of “early “Access” owners.
According to some owners on the macheforum.com, they received an email invitation to participate in the project, which allows them to receive the first two OTA updates “before anyone else.” In return the small group of owners who receive early access to the new software were asked to provide feedback via two surveys.
Written in the email: ”You are among a very select group of owners/lessees invited to provide initial feedback to Ford Motor Company via the Connected Vehicle Data Drive Community! This important customer collaboration project gives you access to two Over-the-Air vehicle software updates before anyone else as well as the ability to provide Ford with feedback on the update via two short surveys, approximately once a month. Ford is counting on you for your help with this initiative.”
For their time and feedback, the small group of owners who received this email, and decide to participate will receive a $20 Amazon e-gift card code via email from Ford for each update and survey that is completed.
It seem like Ford is tearing a page out of Tesla’s book, and they picked a good page. Making sure its OTA software lives up to the satisfaction of its customers is imperative in a market where technology is ever changing and growing. This is a great way to make sure customers will be happy with the product Ford has developed before a broader launch, in case anything needs to be tweaked or adjusted.
This news comes on the heals of another big hitter preparing to do a similar push as Volkswagen announced earlier this week that it will begin pushing its over-the-air software updates to its ID electric vehicles.