Ford SmartLink Upgrades Older-Car Tech
CARS.COM — Even if you bought your car just as the smartphone revolution was taking over, Ford wants you to enjoy the connected convenience of the latest technologies. Starting this summer, the automaker will hook up its customers with Ford SmartLink connectivity services on vehicles dating as far back as eight model years ago.
Related: Connected Cars Show Promise at CES 2017
Soon to be offered for all Ford and Lincoln cars from model-years 2010-16, the technology — currently available only on new modem-equipped cars — can be retrofitted to unlock a host of convenience options for owners. These include smartphone-based remote start, lock and unlock capabilities, a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot that accommodates as many as eight devices, vehicle health and security alerts, and vehicle location assistance.
Come this summer, owners of Ford and Lincoln cars without modem access will be able to visit a dealership near them to get the upgrade. The SmartLink add-on requires only a simple device that plugs into the OBD II port below the steering wheel, the automaker said in a statement. Ford didn’t release pricing details.
