Many people had been waiting for the announcement about when Ford Philippines would decide to activate the FordPass here. Well, wait no more. Starting this month (December 2, to be exact), Ford’s proprietary app can now be downloaded for free on iOS (version 14.0 and above) or Android (version 7.0 and above) devices via Apple App Store and Google Play Store, respectively, “to access vehicle-specific content and support.”
What does this mean? Through FordPass, if your next-generation Ford Ranger or next-generation Ford Everest is equipped with FordPass Connect, or a cellular modem with an e-SIM that enables the vehicle to connect to the internet, you can remotely control specific functions of the vehicle and even check its fuel level.
Let’s take a look at what FordPass can let you do:
You can lock and unlock the doors even when you’re not near your vehicle.
FordPass lets you start and stop your vehicle’s engine “virtually from anywhere.” What’s more, you can even engage the air-conditioning system so that it’s cool and comfy when you board it. The system will remember the last A/C setting and turn it on to that mode.
If you forget where you parked, FordPass has a Vehicle Locator feature (with a real-time map) that will enable you to find it.
Get an instant remote check on your odometer reading and even fuel level.
The “Intelligent Oil Life Monitor” tracks your driving habits and “calculates the health of your engine oil.” This means you can change the oil only when it’s time to do so. That’s a money-saver right there.
Using the app, you can access a team of Ford experts via phone call or e-mail.
Said Ford Philippines Managing Director Mike Breen in a release: “FordPass will drive the future of the Ford ownership experience, and we’re very excited to finally be able to launch it in the Philippines to benefit our customers who are technologically-savvy and always on the go. With FordPass, it’s like having a personal assistant for your Ford vehicle. We leverage on connectivity to offer our customers a smarter and simpler way of owning a Ford.”
So how do you get a FordPass? First, download the app (again, it’s free). Select its icon on the home screen, and choose “Philippines.” Click on “Create Account,” enter your details, as well as your mobile number. Once you request for a code, a one-time password will be sent to you via SMS. Use this number as your authentication code. The registration is complete when you get a confirmation SMS.
Now that you have the app, it’s time to enroll your vehicle. Click the drop-down menu on top of the screen and choose “Add Vehicle.” Enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) and click “Next.” After entering a nickname for your vehicle, click “Activate Vehicle.” Voila, you’re done!
As a platform, FordPass effectively opens the doors to the next level of Ford vehicle ownership. Convenience is king, of course, and as the app surely continues to develop and evolve, more functionalities will surely be added to the suite currently available. We’re certainly looking forward to the other FordPass niceties available in other territories — such as tire pressure readings, turn-by-turn directions to the nearest dealership, and FordPass Rewards. More exciting times are ahead for Ford owners and owners-to-be.
For more information, visit www.ford.com.ph or Ford Philippines’ social media pages.