Ford Shows A Lot In Chicago

Dearborn automaker Ford is not exactly in a good shape. With the Japanese automakers attracting more and more consumers away from the Big Three, Ford has found itself having only the third largest market share in the United States auto market.

Sure, the automaker has done much in Europe. But in America, it is still lagging behind. It is giving a good fight though. Recently, it showcased its new F-150 at the Chicago Auto Show along with the Transit Connect which is a vehicle without peer in this country.

Steve Purdy of The Auto Channel writes: "An entertaining press conference at Ford introduced a charming small commercial van called Transit Connect built in Turkey. Apparently on a car platform the van is 6’8” high and boasts 143 cubic-feet of cargo area inside. Also at Ford the new F-150 is being enhanced with more office-on-the-road technology including a system that can tell a contractor if all his tools are in the bed or not. Fleet tracking, Internet accessibility, Bluetooth, in-dash computer with 2-gigs of memory, available printer, a retractable cable-lock system for tools, the recently introduced SYNC system of voice-activated communications and entertainment systems make the F150 perhaps the smartest pickup out there."

The automaker is now focusing on the development of in-car systems apart from bringing European cars here. Thom Cannell of The Auto Channel said that the automaker is leading the field when it comes to these in-car technology-oriented features.

"Ford is doing more with the combination of in-vehicle electronics/navigation/communication/location called telematics than anyone else is. It surely is a product differentiator," said Cannell.

"Like the hit SYNC technology, Ford Works Solutions incorporates Microsoft Auto (a subset of Windows) to make the computer stuff work. I’ve seen twenty-something’s choose a Focus just to get SYNC. They are very satisfied with the vehicle and SYNC. Giving contractors and small fleets the telematics they need could spark another move to Ford," he added. These enhancements to Ford vehicles make them really more attractive than Acura motor mount-equipped RDX.