Ford is still closely studying subscription services, however.
Six months after BMW dropped plans to make Apple CarPlay an subscription service , the news that the company was making convenience items such as heated seats a recurring expense caused concern among consumers and media. Ford’s CEO Jim Farley has stated that this approach does not make sense for the Blue Oval.
At a roundtable with Marc Benioff, Salesforce CEO, and Emily Chang, Bloomberg, Farley stated that he would be surprised if heated seats were charged. Farley also said that subscriptions will not come to Ford products. Farley made past comments suggesting that connected service could reach $20 billion by 2030.
Farley stated that customized software will be available that allows you to choose from a list of options that makes sense for your commercial customers. “Maybe dynamic routing and coaching for the driver. It will likely be like content subscriptions, but the data used will determine how it is customized.
Farley’s remarks came as Ford Pro Intelligence was launched. Also, the automaker announced a partnership agreement with Sonoma County Winegrowers. Ford E-Transits, F-150 Lightnings and the Blue Oval’s cloud-connected charging stations will be part of three pilot programs.
The Ford Pro team will be working with operators to integrate the web-based telematics platform, which is compatible with both gas-powered connected cars and products from other manufacturers, into their day-to-day operations. The goal is to improve productivity, sustainability, and reduce operating costs of vehicle fleets by between 10 and 20 percent.