A redesigned interior for Ford's E series full-size vans includes a new dashboard, instrument panel and console with increased storage and electronics options.
The upgrades will be built into 2009 cargo and passenger vans with this summer's model-year changeover and should be available to customers beginning in August.
The builder meanwhile announced an array of "Ford Work Solutions" ranging from an in-dash personal computer and other electronic telematics options to a stout but simple cable lock to secure tools in pickups or vans. The features will be available on several '09-models trucks.
The new E series interior complements the bold exterior restyling applied to '08-model vans and together add value to what have been America's best-selling full-size vans for the last 29 years, executives proclaimed. Among the redesign's features are wider-opening rear doors with easily operated detents; more comfortable seats; additional storage in doors and elsewhere; built-in auxiliary switches that users can customize; an optional navigation system; and a back-up camera.
Redesigned door trim panels feature integrated second-bin compartments, and a retention strap helps secure items in the driver's door. The instrument panel has a new storage tray above the passenger air bag. The center console doubles the usable storage space of the previous version - and now includes three larger cup holders that can accommodate a wider variety of cup/mug sizes, an integrated clipboard holder and space for a laptop PC. A new glove box that provides still more storage and a second power point.
The four auxiliary switches on the dashboard are tied to a more efficient wiring harness, which make it easier for upfitters to integrate aftermarket features such as extra lighting. An optional audio input jack on the instrument panel that connects E-Series to MP3 players and other portable audio devices.
A new message center available in E-Series vans and wagons that features standard vehicle maintenance information as well as miles-to-empty and fuel economy numbers. The message center is standard on vans equipped with the 6-liter Power Stroke diesel and includes an engine-hour meter that keeps a running total of engine use, even during idling.
An optional Reverse Camera System mounts a small camera at the rear of the vehicle. It's activated when the van is shifted into reverse, giving the driver a clear view behind the vehicle. The video image is displayed in a self-dimming rearview mirror or in the navigation screen on vans equipped with that option. The screen image includes centerline and colored guides, giving the driver a better perspective of the vehicle's center point and periphery.
New features and electronic technologies will make work and travel more productive and convenient for owners. So-called Ford Work Solutions will be available on 2009-model F-150 and F-SuperDuty pickups as well as E series vans, and later in the new Transit Connect minivan. They include:
* An in-dash computer developed with Magneti Marelli and powered by Microsoft Auto that provides full high-speed Internet access via the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network, and a Garmin navigation system. It's claimed to be the first broadband-capable in-dash computer in production and features available wireless accessories including a mouse and printer. This system allows customers to print invoices and access documents stored on their home or office computer networks, right on the job site.
* Tool Link, a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) asset tracking system developed with Dewalt, the power tool manufacturer, and ThingMagic, an industry developer of embedded RFID technology. This enables customers to maintain a detailed real-time inventory of the tools or equipment stored in the vehicle, and to know whether a truck and tradesman dispatched to a specific job has the tools he needs to do it.
* Crew Chief, a fleet telematics and diagnostics system, which allows small fleet owners to efficiently manage their vehicles, quickly dispatch workers to job sites and keep detailed vehicle maintenance records.
* Cable Lock security system developed in partnership with Master Lock, the industry-leading lock manufacturer, to secure large tools or equipment in the cargo area of E-Series vans and wagons.
The Garmin navigation system will be integrated into the instrument panel with a 6.5-inch touch screen display. This and newly available Sirius satellite radio combine into form Sirius Travel Link, a collection of data services including real-time local traffic, coast-to-coast weather conditions and fuel price information for more than 120,000 gas stations.
For more information, visit www.ford.com.
The builder meanwhile announced an array of "Ford Work Solutions" ranging from an in-dash personal computer and other electronic telematics options to a stout but simple cable lock to secure tools in pickups or vans. The features will be available on several '09-models trucks.
The new E series interior complements the bold exterior restyling applied to '08-model vans and together add value to what have been America's best-selling full-size vans for the last 29 years, executives proclaimed. Among the redesign's features are wider-opening rear doors with easily operated detents; more comfortable seats; additional storage in doors and elsewhere; built-in auxiliary switches that users can customize; an optional navigation system; and a back-up camera.
Redesigned door trim panels feature integrated second-bin compartments, and a retention strap helps secure items in the driver's door. The instrument panel has a new storage tray above the passenger air bag. The center console doubles the usable storage space of the previous version - and now includes three larger cup holders that can accommodate a wider variety of cup/mug sizes, an integrated clipboard holder and space for a laptop PC. A new glove box that provides still more storage and a second power point.
The four auxiliary switches on the dashboard are tied to a more efficient wiring harness, which make it easier for upfitters to integrate aftermarket features such as extra lighting. An optional audio input jack on the instrument panel that connects E-Series to MP3 players and other portable audio devices.
A new message center available in E-Series vans and wagons that features standard vehicle maintenance information as well as miles-to-empty and fuel economy numbers. The message center is standard on vans equipped with the 6-liter Power Stroke diesel and includes an engine-hour meter that keeps a running total of engine use, even during idling.
An optional Reverse Camera System mounts a small camera at the rear of the vehicle. It's activated when the van is shifted into reverse, giving the driver a clear view behind the vehicle. The video image is displayed in a self-dimming rearview mirror or in the navigation screen on vans equipped with that option. The screen image includes centerline and colored guides, giving the driver a better perspective of the vehicle's center point and periphery.
New features and electronic technologies will make work and travel more productive and convenient for owners. So-called Ford Work Solutions will be available on 2009-model F-150 and F-SuperDuty pickups as well as E series vans, and later in the new Transit Connect minivan. They include:
* An in-dash computer developed with Magneti Marelli and powered by Microsoft Auto that provides full high-speed Internet access via the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network, and a Garmin navigation system. It's claimed to be the first broadband-capable in-dash computer in production and features available wireless accessories including a mouse and printer. This system allows customers to print invoices and access documents stored on their home or office computer networks, right on the job site.
* Tool Link, a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) asset tracking system developed with Dewalt, the power tool manufacturer, and ThingMagic, an industry developer of embedded RFID technology. This enables customers to maintain a detailed real-time inventory of the tools or equipment stored in the vehicle, and to know whether a truck and tradesman dispatched to a specific job has the tools he needs to do it.
* Crew Chief, a fleet telematics and diagnostics system, which allows small fleet owners to efficiently manage their vehicles, quickly dispatch workers to job sites and keep detailed vehicle maintenance records.
* Cable Lock security system developed in partnership with Master Lock, the industry-leading lock manufacturer, to secure large tools or equipment in the cargo area of E-Series vans and wagons.
The Garmin navigation system will be integrated into the instrument panel with a 6.5-inch touch screen display. This and newly available Sirius satellite radio combine into form Sirius Travel Link, a collection of data services including real-time local traffic, coast-to-coast weather conditions and fuel price information for more than 120,000 gas stations.
For more information, visit www.ford.com.
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