Oct/Nov 2008

In a deal that possibly heralds in a new era of factory-fitted telematics devices in vans, Nottingham-based Microlise has won a contract with Ford Motor Co in the US to supply it with a telematics-based mobile work solution.

The application, called Crew Chief, is part of Ford Work Solutions, and is said to be the first in the US that includes fleet management and vehicle tracking applications as factory-installed options on a van.

Crew Chief will be available in the US on various 2009 models, including E- series vans, F-series pickups and chassis-cabs and the F-150 pickup truck (this has been the best-selling pickup in the US for a remarkable 26 consecutive years).

Paul Russell, Ford Work Solutions marketing manager, comments: 'We believe that Crew Chief is the next step forward in manufacturer-offered telematics and fleet management solutions. Our customers had a business need for a factory installed, intuitive fleet management tool.'

Although Microlise's agreement is solely with Ford in the US, in this era of global vehicle platforms, the UK company is obviously is a prime position should Ford Europe adopt a similar strategy here.

So what is included? It's quite a package. The in-cab hardware is by Magneti Marelli, and Microlise's mobile work solution operates via the same in-dash screen used for satellite navigation and entertainment. Microlise is the only in-vehicle system with access to Ford's CANbus data, so can deliver data on driver and vehicle performance, too. It is designed for simplicity with no special training needed.

Microlise managing director Nadeem Raza comments: 'This deal has really allowed us to accelerate our product roadmap, helping to refine and develop our offering, which will have a very obvious benefits to our existing and future customer base.

'With 25 years' experience as both a developer and manufacturer in this space, we are obviously excited to be involved in a product that is going to set the standards and expectations for the entire industry.'