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Ford values mobile with a new subsidiary focused on innovation

Ford Motor Company is taking a bullish stance on mobile connectivity by creating a subsidiary focused on mobility technologies, expanding its current innovations such as smartphone integration, ride-sharing applications and a digital benefit platform. 

The vehicle manufacturer is hoping to be a leader in mobility by creating an entire business facet devoted to monitoring the industry and developing innovative programs in connectivity, mobility and autonomous vehicles. Ford Smart Mobility LLC is the new subsidiary including mobile connectivity solutions such as its FordPass service, Ford SYNC, as well as its London-based GoPark and GoDrive apps.  

?Ford Smart Mobility is our plan to be a leader in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience, and data and analytics," said Mike Moran, global news manager at Ford Motor Company. "We are the leader in vehicle connectivity with SYNC technology in 15 million vehicles on the road today, leveraging mobile and smartphone technology is key to our connectivity and mobility initiatives.?

Mobile and mobility
Ford believes that smartphone connectivity is essential to creating vehicle experiences that are convenient and beneficial to consumers. As the industry is speeding towards new innovations and consistently shifting technologies, it is important for the brand to stay on top of these tools to continue to be a leader in vehicle manufacturing. 
The company rolled out a slew of new connected car features, including enabling Ford car owners and non-owners to remotely start their vehicles and pay for parking via an app, as well as piloting a new mobile-driven leasing program (see more). 

Lincoln and Ford owners will be able to use its SYNC 3 system, which allows users to connect to their apps through their vehicle?s display and Siri integration. SYNC Connect users will be able to unlock doors, check gas level and locate their vehicles through a smartphone app.
GoPark is a mobile app currently in development that will give drivers in London the ability to locate parking spaces nearby, for a much more convenient driving experience. Ford is also working on GoDrive, an app in which drivers who do not own vehicles can rent a car when needed and Dynamic Shuttle, a ride service operated through an app. 

In April, FordPass will launching, giving registered members a digital hub in which they can receive loyalty benefits from partnered retailers such as McDonald?s and 7-Eleven, assistance with paying and finding parking through ParkWhiz integration and FordPay to help manage expenses. 

Ford focused
The subsidiary will also be looking at data to develop innovations that will best benefit the consumer through a partnership with IBM. Ford is also upping the ante in autonomous vehicles with features such as adaptive cruise control, active park assistance, lane-departure warning notifications, lane-keeping aid, pedestrian detection, Pro Trailer Backup Assist and vehicle-to-vehicle connection.

?Ford created Ford Smart Mobility LLC to design, build, grow and invest in emerging mobility services," Mr. Moran said. "It is part of Ford?s expanded business model to be both an auto and mobility company.?