14 Feb 08 Ford Trucks - On-board Computers

Ford Motor Co. will soon be offering computers in its pickups and vans. Plans are in the works to have an in-dash computer with high speed Internet and a ink jet printer on its F-150 trucks and commercial vans.

The Ford’s Work Solutions package will also include a radio-controlled tool tracking device, a computerized management system to help workers keep an eye on vehicle fleets and a lockable storage system for pickup beds. The package will be unveiled at this week’s Chicago Auto Show.

While pricing has not been released each of the features will be available together or separately. Ford commands 40 percent of the commercial vehicle market in the United States. By offering these features it hopes to increase that percentage.

The system will use Microsoft Windows CE and Windows Auto. The Internet connection will be with Sprint cellular broadband and will be Bluetooth enabled. The Tool Link component will allow for owners to mark and scan their tools using a radio tag. When a vehicle is powered up it will automatically scan inside the truck for an inventory which can be displayed on the in-dash computer.