They say business is always on the go—and now, it may actually have a chance of knowing where it’s going. At the Chicago Auto Show today, auto manufacturer Ford announced it will be offering Garmin navigation products in its F-150, F-Series Super Duty pickup trucks, and E-Series commercial vans, in a bid to make the vehicles more appealing to businesses.
Under the deal, Garmin will provide the navigation component for Ford Work Solutions, a collection of technologies designed to bring new in-vehicle capabilities that appeal to business users, including an in-dash computer with high-speed Internet access, a customized database of Ford dealerships and Quick Lane Tire & Auto Ceneers, and real-time information on weather, fuel prices, traffic conditions, and more. Garmin’s navigation solution will offer the same "Where to?" and "View map" touchscreen interfaces on its standalone navigation devices, including hands-free voice-prompted navigation.
Ford Work Solutions will be available this fall on 2009 model F-150 and F-Series Super Duty trucks, and E-Series commercial vans; in mid-2009, the technology will also appear in Ford’s Transit Connect vans.
