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Ford brings Tourneo Courier to Fieldays
Ford brings Tourneo Courier to Fieldays

NZ Autocar

timea day ago

  • Automotive
  • NZ Autocar

Ford brings Tourneo Courier to Fieldays

Making its New Zealand debut at Fieldays 2025, Ford's Tourneo Courier is a compact multipurpose vehicle. Ford says it is designed to take active families away on weekends, or for work and road trips. The company adds that the multi-activity vehicle packs SUV style and practical features into a city-friendly footprint. But it can still swallow five people and all their gear. Powering the 4.34m long five-door is a 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbopetrol delivering 92kW of power and 200Nm of torque. It features an active grille shutter for optimised efficiency. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is standard. Designed to stand out The Active series' two-tone paint, machined alloy wheel faces and body cladding were all part of the original design. An upright grille with integrated headlamps gives a sense of width (1800mm) and stance. SUV influences wrap a roomy cabin with large windows. Amko Leenarts, Design director, Ford, Europe commented: 'We designed Tourneo Courier to help customers get the most out of life…and the exterior design expresses that 'no-nonsense' character. 'The SUV-inspired design is rugged outside and roomy inside, providing a tough, eager partner for our customers' busy lifestyles' he added. A versatile cabin The interior's digital experiences are powered by a built-in modem as standard which enables wireless software updates for multiple modules. Inside is an eight-inch touchscreen with SYNC 4 infotainment which places music, podcasts, navigation and many vehicle settings within easy reach. A digital cluster replaces analogue dials. Drivers can view their speed, traffic signs, navigation alerts and other vehicle information simultaneously, and configure the side displays to suit. A wireless charging pad, USB ports and standard wireless smartphone hook up mean occupants can stay connected. Drivers who use a phone for navigation, music or hands-free calls can clip it to the built-in phone mounting fin, making it safe but visible. There are multiple storage sites across the dash and doors. Packed with practicality Tourneo Courier's interior is designed for space and practicality, with generous room for passengers and luggage. The large tailgate keeps rain off, facilitating loading and unloading. Cubbyholes built into the side panels are designed for muddy boots or loose items. With the rear seats in place or flipped, Tourneo Courier offers 708/1656 litres of luggage space, respectively. Meantime, a three-seat rear bench offers generous head- and shoulder room. The seats are split 60/40, and fold and flip to help carry items up to 1.4m long. Tourneo Courier Active is designed to suit outdoors adventures. Seats are part-trimmed in soft technical fabric that's easy to clean, isn't affected by wet clothes, and doesn't feel cold to touch in winter. Large sliding side doors make it easy to jump aboard or strap young children into their car seats. They also avoid damaging or denting other cars when opening the rear door in tight parking spaces. An efficient enjoyable drive Confident driving dynamics, and a responsive powertrain make Tourneo Courier easy to drive in town or on the open road. Utilising Ford's latest compact vehicle platform, every Tourneo Courier comes with a comprehensive range of driver assistance systems including lane keeping, pre-collision assist, traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed assist (keeps speed under the posted speed limit), driver alert and cruise control. The Tourneo Courier is available to order today, with arrivals scheduled for Q4 this year. The Tourneo Courier Active goes on sale for $55,990 plus ORCs. Ford Transit Courier As part of a double act at Fieldays, Ford'sTransit Courier is also on show, with first examples due later this year. Dubbed Transit Courier DCiV, it features a large, flexible cargo area, five-seat configuration, and a 'fold and tumble' rear seat that increases the rear load space. The load area and cabin design include customer-led features to boost productivity and comfort while at work. Multiple driver assistance technologies have made Transit Courier the first van to receive a Five-Star safety award from EuroNCAP using the latest protocols. Paul Heagerty, Ford Transit marketing manager, said: 'The all-new Transit Courier delivers the capability of a larger van while keeping the footprint compact. 'It's smart both inside and out and will be an ace in the hand for NZ businesses.' The Transit Courier uses the same powertrain as Tourneo Courier. It too is available to order from local Ford dealers today, with arrivals estimated in Q4 this year. The RRP is $49,990 plus ORCs.

Major motor company issues one of its largest recalls with over 1 million cars affected
Major motor company issues one of its largest recalls with over 1 million cars affected

Daily Record

time2 days ago

  • Automotive
  • Daily Record

Major motor company issues one of its largest recalls with over 1 million cars affected

The motor company joins four others that have also recently submitted recall documents A major motor company has launched one of the largest recalls in its history, with more than one million cars affected. Ford Motor Company announced this week that it has recalled more than one million units of vehicles. This is due to safety concerns. The vehicles have shown problems with the rear camera system. This defect mainly affects the SYNC 4 system and has been considered a real threat to road safety, increasing the risk of a crash. One million cars will be sent back to go back to the dealership to fix their rear cameras. The recall impacts all models with the SYNC 4 system that were manufactured between 2021 and 2025, according to Reuters. The issue pertains to the cameras freezing, lagging, or not turning on when the vehicle starts reversing. This means they're failing to comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) no. 111 "Rear Visibility" which requires that rear cameras must display within two seconds after shifting into reverse. The problem arose from a fault in the SYNC 4 accessory interface module, specifically in versions 1.7 to 1.9. This software error is why the rear camera doesn't link up correctly with the driver's action, causing the image losses. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) alerted Ford to the issue in January 2025 after receiving 37 complaints from owners and 15 reports of frozen images. One minor accident has been reported in relation to the defect. The recall will be done via a software update that Ford will send remotely (OTA), meaning drivers don't need to go to a dealership unless they want to. Official notices to owners will be sent between June 16 and June 20, 2025. Ford said its engineering team is working to pinpoint the cause and bring about the necessary update. Ford published an extensive list of the affected models, but some of the main models are: Ford F-150 (2021-2023) Ford Bronco (2021) Ford Edge (2021) Ford Mustang Mach-E (2021, manufactured in Mexico) Ford Expedition (2022) Ford Transit (2022 and 2025) Ford Escape (2023) Ford Ranger (2024) Ford Mustang (2024) Lincoln Nautilus (2021) Lincoln Navigator (2022) Lincoln Corsair (2023) The complete list also includes Super Duty versions of the F-150 such as the F-250 up to the F-600. Wondering if your car is part of the recall? Visit Ford's website here to find out. It comes after Tesla, Mazda and Kia have also recently submitted recall documents in the US. Recently filed documents with the NHTSA pertain to nearly 64,000 Ford compact pickup trucks, with worries raised about an airbag indicator light that could be loose or dislodged and not visible to vehicle occupants. Owners of 2025 Maverick trucks will be offered a complimentary repair as dealers will fit airbag indicator light retaining clips free of charge. Some Tesla drivers have also been alerted. Although only 172 vehicles are involved in this recall, affected vehicles include certain 2026 Model Y vehicles, manufactured in April 2025. The issue is related to the hose connector in the windscreen wipers which may become blocked, stopping washer fluid from reaching the windscreen. Tesla has stated it will inspect and replace the wiper arm elbow connector for free, with impacted drivers expected to receive letters informing them of the issue by the end of July. Meanwhile, more than 82,000 KIA vehicles are at risk of being recalled following worries about parking lights potentially failing to illuminate. The problem has been identified in certain 2025 K5 vehicles, which could result in reduced visibility. A glitch in the Power-net Domain Controller (PDC) software may cause parking lights to flicker. And Mazda has discovered a problem with some of its Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) units, which could trigger an error code and deactivate the airbags due to a low battery condition. This could lead to serious repercussions as airbags might not deploy in the event of a collision. Mazda's North American Operations division has issued a recall for certain 2024-2025 Mazda3 and CX30 vehicles. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.

Ford recalls over 1M vehicles for defective backup camera software
Ford recalls over 1M vehicles for defective backup camera software

Yahoo

time03-06-2025

  • Automotive
  • Yahoo

Ford recalls over 1M vehicles for defective backup camera software

This story was originally published on Automotive Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Automotive Dive newsletter. Ford Motor Co. has recalled over 1 million vehicles over faulty backup camera software that may cause the infotainment screen to freeze, be delayed or black out when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall includes various 2021-2024 model year vehicles, including the Bronco, Ranger and Expedition SUVs, F-Series pickups (including Heavy Duty versions), the Edge, Escape and Lincoln MKX crossovers, and Mustang and Mach-E models. Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software to remedy the condition on some models, while other vehicles will receive the fix via an over-the-air update, according to the recall report. The repairs will be free and owner notifications letters are expected to be mailed June 16. The NHTSA notified Ford of the problem on Jan. 17, after receiving rearview camera complaints from customers driving 2021-2023 Ford F-150 pickup models. The agency provided the company with 37 vehicle owner questionnaires (VOQs) related to backup camera display issues. Ford's Automotive Safety Office reviewed the VOQs and found 15 reports of the issue, with 18 related to APIM software and four others which alleged an intermittent or persistent loss of the rearview camera image that were 'not categorized,' according to the NHTSA. Though further investigation by Ford's Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) between February and April, engineers reproduced the camera failure and traced it to specific SYNC4 software versions installed in the vehicles. Between April 2 and May 1, Ford's CCRG reviewed service records and OTA software data to determine if other versions of its SYNC software could lead to backup camera issues. However, its investigation determined that only vehicles equipped with SYNC4 software versions 1.7 through 1.9 experienced camera issues. All of the recalled vehicles are suspected of having these software versions. Ford's investigators also identified 232 warranty claims of backup camera faults in the North America market, leading Ford's Field Review Committee to approve the recall on May 2. According to the NHTSA recall report, the problem is described as an 'improper operational sequencing within the wireless communication subsystem of the SYNC software,' which may cause unexpected system resets. If the backup camera system restarts while the vehicle is in reverse, the center infotainment screen may freeze, show a delayed image or black screen. The automaker is not aware of any injuries related to the backup camera fault, but is aware of one allegation of minor crash resulting in property damage, according to the NHTSA. In September 2024, Ford recalled 144K Maverick pickups equipped with Ford's Connected Touch Radio unit for backup camera display screens faults, which was also related to software. In April, Ford recalled another 160K vehicles to address rearview camera display failures caused by a loose circuit board connector. Ford was also fined $165 million by the NHTSA in November 2024 for responding too slowly to a September 2020 recall of 620,000 vehicles for backup camera faults. Like the latest recall, it included F-series pickup models and the Expedition, Mustang, Escape and Ranger. The automaker has now issued a total of 56 recalls since Jan. 1, which potentially extends to over 1.9 million vehicles, according to the NHTSA. Ford also issued 67 recalls in 2024, the second highest number behind Stellantis brand Chrysler, which had 72. Recommended Reading Ford recalls 25K F-Series Super Duty pickups over tailgate camera fault Sign in to access your portfolio

Ford Ranger tech upgrade to see SYNC4 axed, hands-free driving added
Ford Ranger tech upgrade to see SYNC4 axed, hands-free driving added

The Advertiser

time12-05-2025

  • Automotive
  • The Advertiser

Ford Ranger tech upgrade to see SYNC4 axed, hands-free driving added

The Ford Ranger is set to ditch its SYNC4 infotainment system under a revised tech strategy which will also enable the popular ute to run its BlueCruise autonomous driving system. SYNC4 will be used in the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) as well as the recently revealed 2026 Ranger Super Duty – but these may be the final Rangers with the system. While timing of SYNC4's departure is yet to be revealed, a report from FordAuthority pointed to comments from Ford digital design boss, Doug Field, who said the SYNC4 system will make way for a version of Ford Digital Experience (FDE) – with the Toyota HiLux-rivalling Ranger top of the queue. Also set to move to FDE are the F-150 and Mustang, with the latter set to join the Ranger in getting BlueCruise for the first time. FDE was developed in collaboration with Google, with the roll-out beginning in the US on the 2025 Ford Explorer large SUV – and several models from Ford's luxury brand Lincoln – not sold in Australia. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "Software can sit in several types of electrical layouts, and in our plan, we'll innovate within a layout that draws from our existing platform instead of building a whole new one," said Mr Field. "For example, we will be able to take our very successful Ford and Lincoln Digital Experience that we've launched in the Ford Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus and Navigator to many more products like Mustang, Bronco, Ranger, and F-150." FDE brings a more smartphone-like experience centred around personalisation for vehicle owners, where preferred apps are displayed front-and-centre on the screen. The ability to fit FDE in existing vehicles comes after Ford dropped development of its FNV4 (fully networked vehicle) software. Instead, it will update existing platforms, enabling the use of its BlueCruise semi-autonomous driving system, while developing a separate electrical architecture for its upcoming low-cost electric vehicle (EV) platform. BlueCruise, a Level 2 autonomous driving feature, allows for hands-free driving across over 209,000km of highways in North America. As of July 2024, it can also be used across 132,000km of highways in Europe, as Ford continues to receive regulatory approval for the feature in different markets. It currently isn't supported in Australia. The Ranger's move to what Ford is calling the FNV3.X electrical architecture may see SYNC4 replaced in the Ranger in a model year update ahead of a new model on a fresh platform, with the current underpinnings having been introduced in 2011. The next-generation Ranger is expected in 2028 after the Ford F-150 development was delayed 12 months, with the two vehicles previously planned to share the same platform for the first time. It is not clear whether the planned shared platform strategy – which was intended to reduce the number of platforms globally to streamline manufacturing costs – will go ahead. SYNC4 was announced in 2019 and brought capabilities including over-the-air (OTA) updates including cloud-based navigation and connected services. The Ford Ranger was the first Ford Australia vehicle to gain the FordPass smartphone app when it was launched locally in 2020. MORE: Everything Ford Ranger Content originally sourced from: The Ford Ranger is set to ditch its SYNC4 infotainment system under a revised tech strategy which will also enable the popular ute to run its BlueCruise autonomous driving system. SYNC4 will be used in the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) as well as the recently revealed 2026 Ranger Super Duty – but these may be the final Rangers with the system. While timing of SYNC4's departure is yet to be revealed, a report from FordAuthority pointed to comments from Ford digital design boss, Doug Field, who said the SYNC4 system will make way for a version of Ford Digital Experience (FDE) – with the Toyota HiLux-rivalling Ranger top of the queue. Also set to move to FDE are the F-150 and Mustang, with the latter set to join the Ranger in getting BlueCruise for the first time. FDE was developed in collaboration with Google, with the roll-out beginning in the US on the 2025 Ford Explorer large SUV – and several models from Ford's luxury brand Lincoln – not sold in Australia. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "Software can sit in several types of electrical layouts, and in our plan, we'll innovate within a layout that draws from our existing platform instead of building a whole new one," said Mr Field. "For example, we will be able to take our very successful Ford and Lincoln Digital Experience that we've launched in the Ford Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus and Navigator to many more products like Mustang, Bronco, Ranger, and F-150." FDE brings a more smartphone-like experience centred around personalisation for vehicle owners, where preferred apps are displayed front-and-centre on the screen. The ability to fit FDE in existing vehicles comes after Ford dropped development of its FNV4 (fully networked vehicle) software. Instead, it will update existing platforms, enabling the use of its BlueCruise semi-autonomous driving system, while developing a separate electrical architecture for its upcoming low-cost electric vehicle (EV) platform. BlueCruise, a Level 2 autonomous driving feature, allows for hands-free driving across over 209,000km of highways in North America. As of July 2024, it can also be used across 132,000km of highways in Europe, as Ford continues to receive regulatory approval for the feature in different markets. It currently isn't supported in Australia. The Ranger's move to what Ford is calling the FNV3.X electrical architecture may see SYNC4 replaced in the Ranger in a model year update ahead of a new model on a fresh platform, with the current underpinnings having been introduced in 2011. The next-generation Ranger is expected in 2028 after the Ford F-150 development was delayed 12 months, with the two vehicles previously planned to share the same platform for the first time. It is not clear whether the planned shared platform strategy – which was intended to reduce the number of platforms globally to streamline manufacturing costs – will go ahead. SYNC4 was announced in 2019 and brought capabilities including over-the-air (OTA) updates including cloud-based navigation and connected services. The Ford Ranger was the first Ford Australia vehicle to gain the FordPass smartphone app when it was launched locally in 2020. MORE: Everything Ford Ranger Content originally sourced from: The Ford Ranger is set to ditch its SYNC4 infotainment system under a revised tech strategy which will also enable the popular ute to run its BlueCruise autonomous driving system. SYNC4 will be used in the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) as well as the recently revealed 2026 Ranger Super Duty – but these may be the final Rangers with the system. While timing of SYNC4's departure is yet to be revealed, a report from FordAuthority pointed to comments from Ford digital design boss, Doug Field, who said the SYNC4 system will make way for a version of Ford Digital Experience (FDE) – with the Toyota HiLux-rivalling Ranger top of the queue. Also set to move to FDE are the F-150 and Mustang, with the latter set to join the Ranger in getting BlueCruise for the first time. FDE was developed in collaboration with Google, with the roll-out beginning in the US on the 2025 Ford Explorer large SUV – and several models from Ford's luxury brand Lincoln – not sold in Australia. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "Software can sit in several types of electrical layouts, and in our plan, we'll innovate within a layout that draws from our existing platform instead of building a whole new one," said Mr Field. "For example, we will be able to take our very successful Ford and Lincoln Digital Experience that we've launched in the Ford Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus and Navigator to many more products like Mustang, Bronco, Ranger, and F-150." FDE brings a more smartphone-like experience centred around personalisation for vehicle owners, where preferred apps are displayed front-and-centre on the screen. The ability to fit FDE in existing vehicles comes after Ford dropped development of its FNV4 (fully networked vehicle) software. Instead, it will update existing platforms, enabling the use of its BlueCruise semi-autonomous driving system, while developing a separate electrical architecture for its upcoming low-cost electric vehicle (EV) platform. BlueCruise, a Level 2 autonomous driving feature, allows for hands-free driving across over 209,000km of highways in North America. As of July 2024, it can also be used across 132,000km of highways in Europe, as Ford continues to receive regulatory approval for the feature in different markets. It currently isn't supported in Australia. The Ranger's move to what Ford is calling the FNV3.X electrical architecture may see SYNC4 replaced in the Ranger in a model year update ahead of a new model on a fresh platform, with the current underpinnings having been introduced in 2011. The next-generation Ranger is expected in 2028 after the Ford F-150 development was delayed 12 months, with the two vehicles previously planned to share the same platform for the first time. It is not clear whether the planned shared platform strategy – which was intended to reduce the number of platforms globally to streamline manufacturing costs – will go ahead. SYNC4 was announced in 2019 and brought capabilities including over-the-air (OTA) updates including cloud-based navigation and connected services. The Ford Ranger was the first Ford Australia vehicle to gain the FordPass smartphone app when it was launched locally in 2020. MORE: Everything Ford Ranger Content originally sourced from: The Ford Ranger is set to ditch its SYNC4 infotainment system under a revised tech strategy which will also enable the popular ute to run its BlueCruise autonomous driving system. SYNC4 will be used in the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) as well as the recently revealed 2026 Ranger Super Duty – but these may be the final Rangers with the system. While timing of SYNC4's departure is yet to be revealed, a report from FordAuthority pointed to comments from Ford digital design boss, Doug Field, who said the SYNC4 system will make way for a version of Ford Digital Experience (FDE) – with the Toyota HiLux-rivalling Ranger top of the queue. Also set to move to FDE are the F-150 and Mustang, with the latter set to join the Ranger in getting BlueCruise for the first time. FDE was developed in collaboration with Google, with the roll-out beginning in the US on the 2025 Ford Explorer large SUV – and several models from Ford's luxury brand Lincoln – not sold in Australia. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "Software can sit in several types of electrical layouts, and in our plan, we'll innovate within a layout that draws from our existing platform instead of building a whole new one," said Mr Field. "For example, we will be able to take our very successful Ford and Lincoln Digital Experience that we've launched in the Ford Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus and Navigator to many more products like Mustang, Bronco, Ranger, and F-150." FDE brings a more smartphone-like experience centred around personalisation for vehicle owners, where preferred apps are displayed front-and-centre on the screen. The ability to fit FDE in existing vehicles comes after Ford dropped development of its FNV4 (fully networked vehicle) software. Instead, it will update existing platforms, enabling the use of its BlueCruise semi-autonomous driving system, while developing a separate electrical architecture for its upcoming low-cost electric vehicle (EV) platform. BlueCruise, a Level 2 autonomous driving feature, allows for hands-free driving across over 209,000km of highways in North America. As of July 2024, it can also be used across 132,000km of highways in Europe, as Ford continues to receive regulatory approval for the feature in different markets. It currently isn't supported in Australia. The Ranger's move to what Ford is calling the FNV3.X electrical architecture may see SYNC4 replaced in the Ranger in a model year update ahead of a new model on a fresh platform, with the current underpinnings having been introduced in 2011. The next-generation Ranger is expected in 2028 after the Ford F-150 development was delayed 12 months, with the two vehicles previously planned to share the same platform for the first time. It is not clear whether the planned shared platform strategy – which was intended to reduce the number of platforms globally to streamline manufacturing costs – will go ahead. SYNC4 was announced in 2019 and brought capabilities including over-the-air (OTA) updates including cloud-based navigation and connected services. The Ford Ranger was the first Ford Australia vehicle to gain the FordPass smartphone app when it was launched locally in 2020. MORE: Everything Ford Ranger Content originally sourced from:

Ford Ranger tech upgrade to see SYNC4 axed, hands-free driving added
Ford Ranger tech upgrade to see SYNC4 axed, hands-free driving added

Perth Now

time12-05-2025

  • Automotive
  • Perth Now

Ford Ranger tech upgrade to see SYNC4 axed, hands-free driving added

The Ford Ranger is set to ditch its SYNC4 infotainment system under a revised tech strategy which will also enable the popular ute to run its BlueCruise autonomous driving system. SYNC4 will be used in the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) as well as the recently revealed 2026 Ranger Super Duty – but these may be the final Rangers with the system. While timing of SYNC4's departure is yet to be revealed, a report from Ford Authority pointed to comments from Ford digital design boss, Doug Field, who said the SYNC4 system will make way for a version of Ford Digital Experience (FDE) – with the Toyota HiLux-rivalling Ranger top of the queue. Also set to move to FDE are the F-150 and Mustang, with the latter set to join the Ranger in getting BlueCruise for the first time. FDE was developed in collaboration with Google, with the roll-out beginning in the US on the 2025 Ford Explorer large SUV – and several models from Ford's luxury brand Lincoln – not sold in Australia. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. 2025 Ford Explorer with Ford Digital Experience Credit: CarExpert 'Software can sit in several types of electrical layouts, and in our plan, we'll innovate within a layout that draws from our existing platform instead of building a whole new one,' said Mr Field. 'For example, we will be able to take our very successful Ford and Lincoln Digital Experience that we've launched in the Ford Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus and Navigator to many more products like Mustang, Bronco, Ranger, and F-150.' FDE brings a more smartphone-like experience centred around personalisation for vehicle owners, where preferred apps are displayed front-and-centre on the screen. The ability to fit FDE in existing vehicles comes after Ford dropped development of its FNV4 (fully networked vehicle) software. Instead, it will update existing platforms, enabling the use of its BlueCruise semi-autonomous driving system, while developing a separate electrical architecture for its upcoming low-cost electric vehicle (EV) platform. BlueCruise, a Level 2 autonomous driving feature, allows for hands-free driving across over 209,000km of highways in North America. As of July 2024, it can also be used across 132,000km of highways in Europe, as Ford continues to receive regulatory approval for the feature in different markets. It currently isn't supported in Australia. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The Ranger's move to what Ford is calling the FNV3.X electrical architecture may see SYNC4 replaced in the Ranger in a model year update ahead of a new model on a fresh platform, with the current underpinnings having been introduced in 2011. The next-generation Ranger is expected in 2028 after the Ford F-150 development was delayed 12 months, with the two vehicles previously planned to share the same platform for the first time. It is not clear whether the planned shared platform strategy – which was intended to reduce the number of platforms globally to streamline manufacturing costs – will go ahead. SYNC4 was announced in 2019 and brought capabilities including over-the-air (OTA) updates including cloud-based navigation and connected services. The Ford Ranger was the first Ford Australia vehicle to gain the FordPass smartphone app when it was launched locally in 2020. Supplied Credit: CarExpert MORE: Everything Ford Ranger

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