What does Ford get out of FordPass?

[02ST]

After reading the recent thread on the benefits of FordPass I wondered what Ford gets out of the deal. No company pays customers $200 without expecting to make it back plus profit. I’d like to better understand exactly what I am selling that could be worth that much.

Searching the forums I found one speculation that data could be used to deny warranty claims, and one post citing that Ford was offering auto insurance using driving data to adjust rates similar to what traditional insurance companies are doing with their ODB sniffers.

I think some of the features in FordPass would be handy, I’m just trying to understand what I’m selling and what impact it might have on me so I can make a rational decision.

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[Sirk]

You're trading your data for a couple of oil changes or an accessory or two.

Ford is aggregating the data from thousands of customers to gain real-word information on how their customers use their products. Where they drive. How fast or slow. When they service their vehicles, and where. There are literally thousands of data points that Ford can use...or sell.

I'm not anti-Fordpass. I downloaded it and I use it. But I am aware that I've basically given them carte blanche with the information my vehicle generates. Hey, Tesla does it and doesn't even give the customers the lousy $200.

 

[RonFLA]

data

Yup, Data Mining is the currency of the future. The more you have, them more you build predictive models of behavior, refine your sales algorithms, and increase efficiency. Ultimately, with enough data, this will be passed off to AI and all done instantly.

 

[n0maverick]

direct channel to leverage with customers sans dealer.

 

[Dochatley]

INFORMATION! Everyone wants your information.

 

[jtpc2021]

Agree with all previous comments.

It is great to be able to lock/unlock/remote start/check tire pressures from the app for free though.
Buick makes us pay $10/month to be able to do all of the above things.

 

[Red Ryder]

Right. I'm not a conspiracy theorist, nor do I wear tin foil hats. I have worked around big data aggregation and understand what it is.

I am a big fan of privacy and doing my own research when making purchasing decision. I do not like targeted advertising and I'm not spontaneous.

I don't like buyer's clubs and other programs requiring data collection. I opt out of gimmicks like My Lowe's program which promises to remind you when to buy HVAC filter and other stuff like that. I don't need to be "managed" and certainly don't need an "app" for everything I do. I don't need to know my fuel level or tire pressure in my living room and I can start my Maverick via my key-fob. I personally think the scheduled start is a liability. What if it is scheduled for 07:00 and your teenager moves it into the garage unknowingly the night before and everyone dies the next morning from carbon monoxide poisoning?
All this from someone with a career in IT and control systems.

 

[WesM]

Just wait till advertisements start popping up on your infotainment center, based on the restaurants and other stores you pass. Pay $20 a month to get no ads in your vehicle!

 

[02ST]

Right. I'm not a conspiracy theorist, nor do I wear tin foil hats. I have worked around big data aggregation and understand what it is.

I am a big fan of privacy and doing my own research when making purchasing decision. I do not like targeted advertising and I'm not spontaneous.

I don't like buyer's clubs and other programs requiring data collection. I opt out of gimmicks like My Lowe's program which promises to remind you when to buy HVAC filter and other stuff like that. I don't need to be "managed" and certainly don't need an "app" for everything I do. I don't need to know my fuel level or tire pressure in my living room and I can start my Maverick via my key-fob. I personally think the scheduled start is a liability. What if it is scheduled for 07:00 and your teenager moves it into the garage unknowingly the night before and everyone dies the next morning from carbon monoxide poisoning?
All this from someone with a career in IT and control systems.

Thanks Red Ryder. I had not thought of the scheduled start feature and had also not considered the FordPass system as granting control authority of a household poison gas generator to the internet. The point is worth some study.

 

[Dad]

You're trading your data for a couple of oil changes or an accessory or two.

Ford is aggregating the data from thousands of customers to gain real-word information on how their customers use their products. Where they drive. How fast or slow. When they service their vehicles, and where. There are literally thousands of data points that Ford can use...or sell.

I'm not anti-Fordpass. I downloaded it and I use it. But I am aware that I've basically given them carte blanche with the information my vehicle generates. Hey, Tesla does it and doesn't even give the customers the lousy $200.

On the plus side, when your Mav needs servicing, the dealer should have a pretty good idea of any problems and how to solve them. Theoretically.

 

[02ST]

Just wait till advertisements start popping up on your infotainment center, based on the restaurants and other stores you pass. Pay $20 a month to get no ads in your vehicle!

Just wait till advertisements start popping up on your infotainment center, based on the restaurants and other stores you pass. Pay $20 a month to get no ads in your vehicle!

Good one, made me laugh. Visions of the Bladerunner movie.

 

[r100gs91]

Think of That $210 as something similar to Toyota's 2 yr free maintenance. Plus it get you into the dealer for these services..

 

[bgn]

The idea is to monetize your purchase beyond just the initial dealer visit with oil changes and other service through Ford. No doubt dealers pay a certain percentage of each sale to Ford.

 

[93nighthawk]

Before Ford Pass, they had Ford Rewards which would give you 5% back of your parts and service purchases. It is just like any other rewards program offered by practically every other business out there.

 

[Red Ryder]

Thanks Red Ryder. I had not thought of the scheduled start feature and had also not considered the FordPass system as granting control authority of a household poison gas generator to the internet. The point is worth some study.

Maybe it gets "disarmed" or otherwise put in a safe state if the vehicle is moved. I don't know if it has to be set or "armed" each time it is parked or not. Surely Hopefully there is a safeguard to prevent the scenario I mentioned.

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