(Photo: Ford)
Ford [F] has partnered with Beijing-based NavInfo on next-generation location-based services that will be tailored to future connected vehicles, according to published reports. NavInfo already works with BMW, Daimler, Volvo and Toyota.
The article says that the companies plan on offering LBS technology that does not compromise data security. In addition, the LBS technology will use closed-loop data collection, transmission, storage, application and service.
Ford continues to develop assisted and connected driving technology. After 500,000 miles of testing, Ford is offering its new BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system, Location Business News reported in April. The Tesla Autopilot competitor, which will be a SAE Level 2 driver-assist technology, will be have over-the-air software updates and will be offered on 2021 F-150 and 2021 Mustang Mach-E models.
Ford plans to sell more than 100,000 vehicles equipped with BlueCruise in the first year, based on company sales and take-rate projections. Currently, more than 100,000 miles of highways across North America are dedicated “Hands-Free Blue Zones” in the Ford GPS mapping system, the company said.
