Ford Ranger debuts FordPass in Australia

UPDATE July 16, 3:00pm: Ford Australia has officially presented FordPass Connect to the local motoring media today.

"FordPass Connect is another way we’re bringing smart, simple-to-use real-world technology into the hands of Ford owners and their families," said Ford Australia president, Kay Hart during the media event.

"FordPass Connect makes life simpler and easier, and as our best-selling vehicles in Australia, we’ve chosen Ranger, Everest and Transit as the first to offer this innovative technology as standard."

The free app is compatible with both iPhones and Android phones, offering a number of services for the convenience of the owner. Among those are remote starting, which the owner can use to warm up the car on a cold morning, in advance of driving it, or cool it down with the air conditioning  on a hot day.

Ford advises that the vehicle cannot be driven away, even with the engine remotely started if the proximity key is not detected within the vicinity of the vehicle.

FordPass Connect is also available for non-compatible Ford vehicles, providing owners alerts for servicing, dealer location information, service history and service booking.

10/07/2020: Ford Australia has announced it will fit its entire model range with FordPass Connect capability, starting with the Ford Ranger ute this month and then the Ford Focus in December.

Full details won’t be revealed until the official launch next week (July 16), but a whole new range of connected services and remote vehicle functions will be available via the FordPass smartphone app, which talks to an in-car modem (FordPass Connect) that contains an internet-connected SIM card.

Via the FordPass smartphone app you’ll be able to check vehicle information such as fuel level, odometer reading, tyre pressures (when fitted with a monitoring system), warranty details and owner’s manual.

You’ll also be able to start/stop, lock/unlock and pre-heat/cool your vehicle remotely, make/change appointments at your Ford dealer and find fuel stations, car parks and other points of interest then send them to you in-car navigation system.

In addition, FordPass Connect will allow owners to call roadside assistance, check their car’s service status and history, and be alerted to maintenance and repair issues such as when the oil needs changing or if a bulb needs replacing – and then advise the best course of action – all from with the FordPass app.

Finally, for now, FordPass includes the ability to locate your vehicle on a map in the app, and to receive live traffic updates via your SYNC3 navigation system.