Ford Motor Co. will offer a plug-in device to add new technology to older vehicles.
The device, Ford SmartLink, will plug in to a vehicle's OBD-II port below the steering wheel, and enable 2010-16 model Ford and Lincoln vehicles to download the latest Ford Motor technology. That means thousands of Ford and Lincoln owners will be able to remotely lock, unlock and start their cars with their smartphones; use a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot; get health and security alerts; and receive vehicle location assistance.
Ford declined to reveal pricing information for SmartLink, which will be available this summer.
"Ford SmartLink will surprise and delight owners of recent model-year vehicles by adding some of today's most popular connectivity features" Stephen Odell, executive vice president of global marketing, sales and service, said in a statement. "Offering it through our dealerships is another way to keep us connected with our customers and earn their loyalty."
Ford announced this year that it would begin rolling out 4G LTE Wi-Fi on its 2017 vehicles. And it began rolling out smartphone start, lock and unlock access through its FordPass app over the past year.
Source: http://www.autonews.com/article/20170130/OEM06/301309955/ford-updates-technology-on-older-vehicles