Ford: Development and Technology News
11-07-2011, 06:49 AM
#121
Race Director
Folks won't think of doing a Win 7 upgrade for their PC but they'll stick a USB drive into their car to upgrade it?
Biker, who wonders what a "bricked" Ford would be?
Biker, who wonders what a "bricked" Ford would be?
11-08-2011, 03:14 PM
#122
Team Owner
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They should have partnered with Apple....
11-08-2011, 10:00 PM
#123
My first Avatar....
11-09-2011, 08:50 AM
#124
Fahrvergnügen'd
That's a totally ignorant comment that just shows how little you understand about what is going on here.
Windows Automotive 7 is the OS that forms the foundation for the Ford system but Ford has done all the UI work themselves.
So if it had been Apple, Android, or anything else Ford would still have come to the same endpoint. They did a lot of aggressive work on providing revolutionary functionality and it was likely too much for rev 1.0
Windows Automotive 7 is the OS that forms the foundation for the Ford system but Ford has done all the UI work themselves.
So if it had been Apple, Android, or anything else Ford would still have come to the same endpoint. They did a lot of aggressive work on providing revolutionary functionality and it was likely too much for rev 1.0
11-09-2011, 09:31 AM
#125
Team Owner
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How many years did it take Apple to fix the maximize button for windows?
Last edited by Sly Raskal; 11-09-2011 at 02:24 PM. Reason: fixed typo
11-09-2011, 02:23 PM
#126
Team Owner
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That's a totally ignorant comment that just shows how little you understand about what is going on here.
Windows Automotive 7 is the OS that forms the foundation for the Ford system but Ford has done all the UI work themselves.
So if it had been Apple, Android, or anything else Ford would still have come to the same endpoint. They did a lot of aggressive work on providing revolutionary functionality and it was likely too much for rev 1.0
Windows Automotive 7 is the OS that forms the foundation for the Ford system but Ford has done all the UI work themselves.
So if it had been Apple, Android, or anything else Ford would still have come to the same endpoint. They did a lot of aggressive work on providing revolutionary functionality and it was likely too much for rev 1.0
Dude.....really? I was half way kidding anyway.
06-27-2012, 06:36 AM
#127
Safety Car
Nokia
Nokia today announced that Ford's research organization will use the Nokia Location Platform to advance innovation for smart and connected vehicles, as demonstrated by the Ford EVOS concept car.
Ford selected the Nokia Location Platform to leverage Nokia's high-quality global location content, including the industry leading NAVTEQ Map, as well as scaleable cloud services and APIs. This complete solution offers a fast, easy and cost-effective path to create innovative and differentiated location products.
The Ford EVOS concept car showcases a future in which cloud services go beyond Internet access and traffic-enabled routing. For example, Ford's concept car actually "learns" driver behavior to control, improve upon and personalize vehicle performance. Another area of Ford's research is designed to optimize hybrid powertrain efficiency: the Nokia Location Platform could automatically regulate a car's powertrain as it travels through established or driver-specified "Green Zones".
"We are committed to providing compelling customized services to the automotive sector and customers like Ford," said Christof Hellmis, Vice President Map Platform in Nokia's Location & Commerce unit. "We have consistently focused on innovation around location and navigation in the car. This commitment enabled us to provide a global platform service which could truly enhance the customer and user experience. It's exciting to see the Nokia Location Platform as an integral part of Ford's mission to revolutionize the connected car."
While the Ford EVOS is a concept car intended to show Ford's technology vision for the future and is not itself scheduled for production, it does give a glimpse of the technology being researched for future car models. More information on the concept car can be found here:
About Nokia's Location & Commerce Business
Nokia is a global leader in mobile communications whose products have become an integral part of the lives of people around the world. The company's Location & Commerce business, including NAVTEQR Maps products, the Nokia Location Platform as well as Nokia Maps, aims to build and monetize unique location experiences for great mobile products, as well as the navigation industry, the automotive market and government and business solutions. Begin to explore our capabilities at www.maps.nokia.com.
Media Enquiries:
Nokia
Communications
Tel. +358 7180 34900
Email: press.services@nokia.com
www.nokia.com
Nokia
Communications
Tel. +358 7180 34900
Email: press.services@nokia.com
www.nokia.com
06-27-2012, 06:13 PM
#128
2G TLX-S
^^^^^
Just wonder if Nokia will still be around then ? Unless Ford decides to buy it out.
Just wonder if Nokia will still be around then ? Unless Ford decides to buy it out.
06-27-2012, 08:42 PM
#130
2G TLX-S
^^^^^
Well, Ford-Nokia-Microsoft - it's one jolly good family.
Well, Ford-Nokia-Microsoft - it's one jolly good family.
06-28-2012, 12:42 AM
#131
Fahrvergnügen'd
I think Ford has had some growing pains but is doing some great work.
The F-150 I got stuck with as a rental is not a bad truck and the info cluster is actually pretty damn cool and useful.
The F-150 I got stuck with as a rental is not a bad truck and the info cluster is actually pretty damn cool and useful.
06-28-2012, 06:43 AM
#132
Safety Car
Steering Wheel
I should have found this patent application from Nokia before but it’s neither too late now. This may be related to the thigns going on between Microsoft, Ford and Nokia and Nokia Maps, it may be not.
Nokia was granted a patent application filed at United States patent & Trademark office (U.S.P.T.O).
This patent explains that on the steering wheel, there are some sensors to be fitted in and those sensors may also be on the other device too, most probably on your Lumia.The sensors could give you some combination of vibration feedback that will let you know about the action being performed on your device or car. The good thing is that we can control all the basic actions that your device does like media controls, G.P.S, Calls, etc through touch and vibration feedback. The sensors can be piezoelectric or it could be microphones also (which hints about the actions can be performed by voice). Well the piezoelectric sensors raise the doubt more here as the feedback can be touch based also(as it’s not clear what types of piezoelectric sensors are to be used). Maybe the feedback could be touch, vibration and voice all 3 together.
The list of awesome controls that can be performed on your device and car:
1.Select next song or channel.
2.Fast forward/backward.
3.Volume up/down.
4.Mute/unmute.
5.Answer/end call.
6.Increase/decrease cooling/heating.
7.Activate navigation.
8.Turn on/off spoken feedback.
9.Switch on/off traffic announcements.
10.Show the current location through car/device’s GPS.
http://mynokiablog.com/2012/06/27/pr...ng-experience/
Just made this post for the readers to provide a better explanation for the above post.
04-15-2013, 08:07 AM
#133
AZ Community Team
General Motors, Ford join for 10-speed transmissions
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/...sions/2083485/
The biggest two of Detroit Big 3 automakers, General Motors and Ford Motor, are joining in an rare collaboration to develop advanced automatic transmissions, they disclosed Monday.
The normally two bitter rivals have signed an agreement to jointly develop a new generation of transmissions that will have nine and 10 speeds, a leap from today's transmissions which usually don't have more than eight, and usually more like six.
Though working together may sound unusual, GM and Ford say latest collaboration marks the third time in the past decade that they have hooked up on transmissions. Because of their past work, they say more than 8 million six-speed transmissions are on the road.
The two companies didn't make clear why they felt they need to work together, but they could be feeling the heat from other makers that are rushing their own transmission development. Detroit's other big one, Chrysler, has announced plans for nine-speed transmissions. In fact, they have already started announcing models that will get them, like a new model, the Jeep Cherokee. The off-road model replaces the small Jeep Liberty. Chrysler is controlled by Italy's Fiat, which may be seen as posing a technology challenge to its two bigger established competitors.
In their separate announcements, Ford and GM said the new transmissions will be built for both front- and rear-wheel-drive vehicles. Adding more speeds to transmissions allows engines to optimize their operation and run at lower speeds, which saves gas. It's the same idea as on bicycles, where lightweight 10-speeds -- or more -- are considered better for more speed and conserving riders' strength that old three-speed models.
The automakers' statements said that teams for GM and Ford have already begun their initial work.
"We expect these new transmissions to raise the standard of technology, performance and quality for our customers while helping drive fuel economy improvements into both company's future product portfolios," said Jim Lanzon, GM vice president of global transmission engineering.
The research will go beyond just the engineering work to figure the best way to make a nine- or 10-speed transmission. Ford's chief transmission engineer, Craig Renneker, says the goal is to come up with common parts, which the two companies would then customize with their own software.
The biggest two of Detroit Big 3 automakers, General Motors and Ford Motor, are joining in an rare collaboration to develop advanced automatic transmissions, they disclosed Monday.
The normally two bitter rivals have signed an agreement to jointly develop a new generation of transmissions that will have nine and 10 speeds, a leap from today's transmissions which usually don't have more than eight, and usually more like six.
Though working together may sound unusual, GM and Ford say latest collaboration marks the third time in the past decade that they have hooked up on transmissions. Because of their past work, they say more than 8 million six-speed transmissions are on the road.
The two companies didn't make clear why they felt they need to work together, but they could be feeling the heat from other makers that are rushing their own transmission development. Detroit's other big one, Chrysler, has announced plans for nine-speed transmissions. In fact, they have already started announcing models that will get them, like a new model, the Jeep Cherokee. The off-road model replaces the small Jeep Liberty. Chrysler is controlled by Italy's Fiat, which may be seen as posing a technology challenge to its two bigger established competitors.
In their separate announcements, Ford and GM said the new transmissions will be built for both front- and rear-wheel-drive vehicles. Adding more speeds to transmissions allows engines to optimize their operation and run at lower speeds, which saves gas. It's the same idea as on bicycles, where lightweight 10-speeds -- or more -- are considered better for more speed and conserving riders' strength that old three-speed models.
The automakers' statements said that teams for GM and Ford have already begun their initial work.
"We expect these new transmissions to raise the standard of technology, performance and quality for our customers while helping drive fuel economy improvements into both company's future product portfolios," said Jim Lanzon, GM vice president of global transmission engineering.
The research will go beyond just the engineering work to figure the best way to make a nine- or 10-speed transmission. Ford's chief transmission engineer, Craig Renneker, says the goal is to come up with common parts, which the two companies would then customize with their own software.
04-15-2013, 02:06 PM
#134
I'm the Firestarter
:inbeforehondahasonly5speed:
04-15-2013, 04:06 PM
#135
AZ Community Team
^ you beat Moog to it 
04-15-2013, 06:06 PM
#137
The sizzle in the Steak
Honda finally got a five speed 
04-15-2013, 06:56 PM
#139
The sizzle in the Steak
...but most CVT feel like absolute garbage to drive.
06-18-2013, 05:48 AM
#140
Safety Car
AutoNews
Ford Motor Co. plans to revert to more traditional knobs and buttons in its MyFord Touch infotainment and control system.
The system has hurt Ford's ratings in several quality surveys. Customers have complained the system is bulky, distracting and overly complicated to use. Ford has issued several software upgrades.
Ford hinted at its plan to change MyFord Touch today in a press release touting improvements in the system's quality.
Ford's F-series pickup models already include the latest MyFord Touch system with more redundant knobs and buttons.
"A similar balance" is "planned for future Ford vehicles," the release said.
The automaker revealed its plans just days before J.D. Power's annual Initial Quality Study, which reviews new-car quality, is set to be released.
In 2010, the automaker ranked No. 5 and was the highest-ranked nonluxury brand in the study.
After MyFord Touch was launched in 2010, Ford dropped to below average, ranking 23 out of 32 in 2011 and 27 out of 34 last year.
Consumer Reports magazine also criticized MyFord Touch last year for not having traditional knobs or buttons and instead using flush buttons, a touch screen, steering-wheel controls and voice commands to control navigation, climate and entertainment.
Ford updated the system last spring to simplify the screen layout, fix bugs and improve voice recognition. Another upgrade for MyFord Touch and Sync is planned for this summer, according to the release.
Ford said Sync and MyFord Touch are sold on 79 percent of its 2013 vehicles. The automaker says that is double the sales mix of infotainment systems in Honda and Toyota vehicles and up from 68 percent for Ford in 2012.
"The satisfaction is higher on vehicles equipped with MyFord Touch than without," Raj Nair, Ford's global product development chief, said in an interview published today in The Wall Street Journal. "We've been able to spend a lot of time with customers to find what exactly are the areas that are bothering them."
Customers have complained that performing simple acts such as changing radio channels becomes needlessly complex.
Joe Hinrichs, Ford's president of the Americas, signaled the changes were coming last month in an interview with Automotive News.
Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood said the automaker has been talking about adding more buttons and knobs along with the touch screen features for some time and that some vehicles, such as the F series models, already include the knobs and buttons.
"Our strategy is we are going to offer a better blend of touch screen capability with buttons and knobs," Sherwood said.
06-18-2013, 06:13 AM
#141
Race Director
"Our strategy is we are going to offer a better blend of touch screen capability with buttons and knobs," Sherwood said.
06-18-2013, 07:12 AM
#142
Fahrvergnügen'd
I own a car with MFT. Yeah, there are glitches but generally speaking the benefits far exceed the negatives. It should be close to flawless and it isn't. But it isn't a dysfunctional train wreck either.
All that said, Luddites should probably avoid complicated technology in general.
All that said, Luddites should probably avoid complicated technology in general.
02-23-2014, 07:10 PM
#143
Safety Car
BlackBerry
Ford Motor Co., struggling with in-car technology glitches, will base the next-generation Sync system on BlackBerry Ltd.'s QNX and no longer use Microsoft Corp.'s Windows, according to people briefed on the matter.
Using QNX will be less expensive than licensing Microsoft technology and will improve the flexibility and speed of the next Sync system, said the people, who declined to be identified because the decision hasn't been made public. Ford has more than 7 million vehicles on the road with Sync using Microsoft voice-activated software to make mobile phone calls and play music.
Ford CEO Alan Mulally, who was said to be a candidate to become Microsoft's CEO until early this year, has seen Ford slump in surveys by J.D. Power & Associates and Consumer Reports, with customers citing malfunctioning tech systems and touchscreens. Ford has said the quality of its vehicles have been "mixed" each of the past 3 years and fell short of its plan to improve those results in 2013.
Improving Sync is crucial for Ford to draw car shoppers who are increasingly looking to be connected at all times. In-vehicle technology is the top selling point for 39 percent of auto buyers, more than twice the 14 percent who say their 1st consideration is traditional performance measures such as power and speed, according to a study by the consulting firm Accenture released in December.
Apple, Google
Jay Cooney, a Ford spokesman, didn't immediately respond to phone and e-mail messages left outside of normal business hours. Peter Wootton, a spokesman for Microsoft who works for Waggener Edstrom, declined to comment. Paul Leroux, a spokesman for QNX, declined to comment.
The Ford and Lincoln brands ranked No. 26 and No. 27 out of 28 brands in Consumer Reports' annual reliability survey released in October. While the Lincoln luxury line matched the industry average in J.D. Power's Initial Quality study in June, the namesake finished 27th out of 33 brands.
Technology companies are battling for a greater presence in vehicles. Google Inc. announced an alliance with General Motors Co., Honda Motor Co., Hyundai Motor Co. and chipmaker Nvidia Corp. in January to bring the Android operating system to cars. Apple Inc. is working with BMW AG, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan Motor Co. and others to introduce its iOS operating system to cars with devices such as the iPhone.
BlackBerry's QNX Software Systems can be found in cars made made by Volkswagen AG's Audi unit and BMW, according to its Web site. QNX and Microsoft are the main suppliers of automotive operating system software, according to researcher IHS iSuppli.
BlackBerry, at the time named Research in Motion Ltd., bought QNX Software Systems for $200 million in 2010. In addition to its presence in cars, QNX technology is used to manage nuclear power plants and by the U.S. military for unmanned aerial drones. Its customers include Cisco Systems Inc., General Electric Co. and Caterpillar Inc.
02-23-2014, 11:18 PM
#144
Azine Jabroni
Ford Motor Co., struggling with in-car technology glitches, will base the next-generation Sync system on BlackBerry Ltd.'s QNX and no longer use Microsoft Corp.'s Windows, according to people briefed on the matter.
Using QNX will be less expensive than licensing Microsoft technology and will improve the flexibility and speed of the next Sync system, said the people, who declined to be identified because the decision hasn't been made public. Ford has more than 7 million vehicles on the road with Sync using Microsoft voice-activated software to make mobile phone calls and play music.
Ford CEO Alan Mulally, who was said to be a candidate to become Microsoft's CEO until early this year, has seen Ford slump in surveys by J.D. Power & Associates and Consumer Reports, with customers citing malfunctioning tech systems and touchscreens. Ford has said the quality of its vehicles have been "mixed" each of the past 3 years and fell short of its plan to improve those results in 2013.
Improving Sync is crucial for Ford to draw car shoppers who are increasingly looking to be connected at all times. In-vehicle technology is the top selling point for 39 percent of auto buyers, more than twice the 14 percent who say their 1st consideration is traditional performance measures such as power and speed, according to a study by the consulting firm Accenture released in December.
Apple, Google
Jay Cooney, a Ford spokesman, didn't immediately respond to phone and e-mail messages left outside of normal business hours. Peter Wootton, a spokesman for Microsoft who works for Waggener Edstrom, declined to comment. Paul Leroux, a spokesman for QNX, declined to comment.
The Ford and Lincoln brands ranked No. 26 and No. 27 out of 28 brands in Consumer Reports' annual reliability survey released in October. While the Lincoln luxury line matched the industry average in J.D. Power's Initial Quality study in June, the namesake finished 27th out of 33 brands.
Technology companies are battling for a greater presence in vehicles. Google Inc. announced an alliance with General Motors Co., Honda Motor Co., Hyundai Motor Co. and chipmaker Nvidia Corp. in January to bring the Android operating system to cars. Apple Inc. is working with BMW AG, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan Motor Co. and others to introduce its iOS operating system to cars with devices such as the iPhone.
BlackBerry's QNX Software Systems can be found in cars made made by Volkswagen AG's Audi unit and BMW, according to its Web site. QNX and Microsoft are the main suppliers of automotive operating system software, according to researcher IHS iSuppli.
BlackBerry, at the time named Research in Motion Ltd., bought QNX Software Systems for $200 million in 2010. In addition to its presence in cars, QNX technology is used to manage nuclear power plants and by the U.S. military for unmanned aerial drones. Its customers include Cisco Systems Inc., General Electric Co. and Caterpillar Inc.
11-13-2014, 04:26 PM
#145
Senior Moderator
Hmmm...
12-02-2014, 04:14 PM
#146
Senior Moderator
Some development information...
Source: Ford Planning Detroit Reveal For Focus RS, F-150 Raptor, Shelby GT350R & New GT Supercar?
Put Your Hands Up For Detroit! Well, that’s what we’ll all be singing if rumors of a Ford performance onslaught in Motor City prove true. There’s word on the street that the Ford Motor Company [NYSE:F] is looking to launch a new global performance sub-brand (apparently SVT doesn’t have much cachet overseas) and will kick off the launch with multiple model reveals at next month's 2015 Detroit AutoShow, with the highlight being an all-new GT supercar.
The guys at Road & Track have compiled a list of possibilities from their various sources and this is what they’ve come up with. It should be noted that none of the debuts have been confirmed so take all of this with a grain of salt.
Fiesta ST: A facelifted version of the sporty subcompact that’s been on sale in local showrooms since the 2014 model year.
Focus ST: Ford’s facelifted Focus ST has already been shown in Europe but in Detroit it will be making its local debut.
Focus RS: It’s been years since a Focus RS has been in Ford’s lineup so a new generation of the tarmac terror is long overdue. The good news is that the new model will be available in local showrooms for the first time.
F-150 Raptor: Ford hasn't announced a new Raptor based on its aluminum-bodied F-150 but given the popularity of the previous generation Ford will be crazy not to launch a new one. Note the drop of "SVT” from the vehicle’s name. That’s because any new model will likely feature the name of Ford’s new performance sub-brand in its title. Apparently the name 999 (originally the name of a race car built by Henry Ford) has been making the rounds during Blue Oval market research events.
Mustang Shelby GT350R: It turns out the new GT350 we saw last month in Los Angeles isn’t the baddest Mustang Ford is planning. An even more hardcore GT350R is expected to drop in Detroit.
GT: This could just be an announcement or a concept previewing a new Ford GT supercar, because based on the rumors the car isn’t due until 2016. The choice of year is no coincidence, of course, as that would put the new GT’s introduction on par with the 50th anniversary of the automaker's inaugural Le Mans victory using the original GT40.
That's all the information we have for now but thankfully the wait isn't too long as the 2015 Detroit Auto Show will be getting underway January 12. You can stay up to date on our show coverage by regularly visiting our dedicated hub.
The guys at Road & Track have compiled a list of possibilities from their various sources and this is what they’ve come up with. It should be noted that none of the debuts have been confirmed so take all of this with a grain of salt.
Fiesta ST: A facelifted version of the sporty subcompact that’s been on sale in local showrooms since the 2014 model year.
Focus ST: Ford’s facelifted Focus ST has already been shown in Europe but in Detroit it will be making its local debut.
Focus RS: It’s been years since a Focus RS has been in Ford’s lineup so a new generation of the tarmac terror is long overdue. The good news is that the new model will be available in local showrooms for the first time.
F-150 Raptor: Ford hasn't announced a new Raptor based on its aluminum-bodied F-150 but given the popularity of the previous generation Ford will be crazy not to launch a new one. Note the drop of "SVT” from the vehicle’s name. That’s because any new model will likely feature the name of Ford’s new performance sub-brand in its title. Apparently the name 999 (originally the name of a race car built by Henry Ford) has been making the rounds during Blue Oval market research events.
Mustang Shelby GT350R: It turns out the new GT350 we saw last month in Los Angeles isn’t the baddest Mustang Ford is planning. An even more hardcore GT350R is expected to drop in Detroit.
GT: This could just be an announcement or a concept previewing a new Ford GT supercar, because based on the rumors the car isn’t due until 2016. The choice of year is no coincidence, of course, as that would put the new GT’s introduction on par with the 50th anniversary of the automaker's inaugural Le Mans victory using the original GT40.
That's all the information we have for now but thankfully the wait isn't too long as the 2015 Detroit Auto Show will be getting underway January 12. You can stay up to date on our show coverage by regularly visiting our dedicated hub.
12-03-2014, 09:02 AM
#148
Ex-OEM King
In!
If the Focus RS is announced for the US, I'm seriously going to start calling dealers to get a deposit down. Especially if it's AWD. And 350hp.
Oh the fun I could have with that...
If the Focus RS is announced for the US, I'm seriously going to start calling dealers to get a deposit down. Especially if it's AWD. And 350hp.
Oh the fun I could have with that...
The following users liked this post:
RPhilMan1 (12-03-2014)
12-03-2014, 09:17 AM
#149
Azine Jabroni
Ford just doesn't skip a beat, do they?
12-04-2014, 11:56 AM
#150
Senior Moderator
Im looking forward to seeing what they do to the Raptor.
01-13-2015, 04:31 PM
#151
Senior Moderator
04-13-2015, 01:39 PM
#152
Senior Moderator
11-Speed Transmission Patented
It’s been a while since the transmission wars have shown much heat—eight and nine speed transmissions are common, and we’ve all heard about development of 10-speeds, most notably for the upcoming 2017 Ford Raptor. Now, the Ford Motor Company [NYSE:F] is taking the tally up again, this time to 11.
The news comes by way of a patent filing unearthed by AutoGuide. The filing occurred in October, 2013.
Revealing a pretty simple diagram that would be much, much more complex to realize in actual production terms, the patent filing is straightforward: it’s a vehicle gearbox with 11 speeds.
Why the long slumber before this patent filing surfaced? Why haven’t we seen the Ford 11-speed in production yet?
The answer to both of those questions is: we may never see an 11-speed from Ford.
As with most other automakers, and in many other fields, companies often file patents on innovative ideas or areas of development as a matter of protection for a path the company might follow—or might not—as part of the normal course of business.
Even though eight-speeds are fairly common (and nearly every eight-speed manufacturer delivers very good, smooth-operating gearboxes, nine-speeds are less common and more commonly complained of, for a variety of reasons.
Experts as lofty as the Stefan Sommer, CEO of ZF, a major industry transmission supplier, have previously pronounced nine-speed transmissions as the “natural limit,” of the need for more speeds. Whether the market will defy the logic of the engineer—or whether the engineer’s logic will be updated—remains to be seen.
The news comes by way of a patent filing unearthed by AutoGuide. The filing occurred in October, 2013.
Revealing a pretty simple diagram that would be much, much more complex to realize in actual production terms, the patent filing is straightforward: it’s a vehicle gearbox with 11 speeds.
Why the long slumber before this patent filing surfaced? Why haven’t we seen the Ford 11-speed in production yet?
The answer to both of those questions is: we may never see an 11-speed from Ford.
As with most other automakers, and in many other fields, companies often file patents on innovative ideas or areas of development as a matter of protection for a path the company might follow—or might not—as part of the normal course of business.
Even though eight-speeds are fairly common (and nearly every eight-speed manufacturer delivers very good, smooth-operating gearboxes, nine-speeds are less common and more commonly complained of, for a variety of reasons.
Experts as lofty as the Stefan Sommer, CEO of ZF, a major industry transmission supplier, have previously pronounced nine-speed transmissions as the “natural limit,” of the need for more speeds. Whether the market will defy the logic of the engineer—or whether the engineer’s logic will be updated—remains to be seen.
07-05-2016, 01:31 PM
#153
Safety Car
USA 2day
Sure, electric cars like those from Tesla and hybrids like Toyota's Prius grab the headlines. But when it comes to cumulatively saving the most gas, the auto industry is increasingly turning to another technology: turbochargers.
Federal regulators are planning a mid-term evaluation of the nation's fuel-economy standards that the auto industry must meet by 2025. With sales of hybrid and electric vehicles falling, automakers are planning to argue that they should get more credit with conventional technology like turbocharged engines.
Turbocharging has quietly taken a larger place in the auto industry and has piled up some big accomplishments. Ford, for instance, announced last week that it has hit the one-million mark when it comes to selling pickup trucks equipped with its EcoBoost turbocharged engines.
Vehicles with turbocharged engines made up 8% of market in 2010. Last year, they had almost tripled their market share with 22%. Looking ahead, they are expected to hit 38% by 2020, says consultants LMC Automotive. The gas savings may not be as big as those from hybrids or electric cars which depend on batteries, but turbos are a cheaper way to save fuel.
"It’s 1 of the more popular alternatives," says Kevin Riddell, automotive analyst for LMC.
Turbochargers use fan-like wheels to feed air into a conventional internal-combustion engine. Turbos kick in when the driver demands more power. They allow automakers to reduce the size of engines, which saves gas.
"Engine downsizing has become a big thing to produce the same amount of power with a smaller motor," Riddell says.
Ford's turbocharged engine for the F-150, the nation's best-selling vehicle, looked like a tough sell with its hidebound pickup truck owners who loved their big V-8s when it was introduced in 2010. The EcoBoost turbocharged engine moved them down to 6 cylinders.
Ford made the case that the engines save fuel and are still powerful and have more towing capacity than competitors.
Today, Ford's 2.7-liter and 3.5-liter V-6 EcoBoost engines together account for 60% of the automaker's F-150 sales. The engine seems to have evolved into a brand unto itself.
Ford estimates F-150 owners with EcoBoost engines will collectively save an estimated $255 million over the course of a year if gas prices remain at today's $2.30 per gallon national average.
Ford is planning to introduce a redesigned and more powerful engine this fall on its 2017 F-150 pickups.
05-23-2018, 09:16 AM
#154
Moderator
https://jalopnik.com/the-ford-mustan...e-b-1826231525
When Ford first announced a new electric performance SUV at the Detroit Auto Show in January, a teaser video showed the Ford Explorer and Ford Mustang as its inspirations. Ford even nicknamed it the “Mach 1” as an ode to the Mustang. But Autocar reports that the new SUV will be built on the new global Focus platform.
Here’s a mandatory pause to remind you all that everything is bad; Ford plans to get rid of all of its cars and sedans other than the Mustang and the Focus Active, the world is full of crossovers, and our future holds electric performance SUVs that look like the Mustang’s bloated younger sibling.
Oh, right, back to the news. Ford’s new electric performance SUV should come around for 2020, and Ford representative Mike Levine told Jalopnik in January that the “Mach 1” nickname for the vehicle is just a test to see how customers respond to it. (Don’t pull a Mitsubishi here, Ford.)
There have been no photos or teaser images of a vehicle yet to make a judgement on size, but then-Ford executive Raj Nair said at its debut that the Mach 1 would be built on a unique platform. That is, a unique platform instead of the Mustang platform, because it’s battery electric.
But the platform may not be all that unique, since Autocar reports that the Mach 1 will be built on the same modular “Holy Grail” platform as the new Focus. From the story:
The story doesn’t say how Autocar got this information, and should be taken with some caution. Jalopnik has reached out to Ford for comment about the report and the platform the new Mach 1 may be on, and also if it feels sorry for having deceived us like this, and will update if we hear back.
Crossovers and SUVs with performance badges may be our imminent future, but, hey, at least a Mustang-styled SUV seems less likely to hit up the local Cars and Coffee regularly.
Update 3:17 p.m. A Ford representative responded to Jalopnik, saying there’s “some confusion” with the Autocar report. But because it’s too early to talk about the future lineup, the representative said, there was no comment from Ford on the report other than directing Jalopnik to the statement the company made on the vehicle in March:
Here’s a mandatory pause to remind you all that everything is bad; Ford plans to get rid of all of its cars and sedans other than the Mustang and the Focus Active, the world is full of crossovers, and our future holds electric performance SUVs that look like the Mustang’s bloated younger sibling.
Oh, right, back to the news. Ford’s new electric performance SUV should come around for 2020, and Ford representative Mike Levine told Jalopnik in January that the “Mach 1” nickname for the vehicle is just a test to see how customers respond to it. (Don’t pull a Mitsubishi here, Ford.)
There have been no photos or teaser images of a vehicle yet to make a judgement on size, but then-Ford executive Raj Nair said at its debut that the Mach 1 would be built on a unique platform. That is, a unique platform instead of the Mustang platform, because it’s battery electric.
But the platform may not be all that unique, since Autocar reports that the Mach 1 will be built on the same modular “Holy Grail” platform as the new Focus. From the story:
The all-electric crossover, dubbed Mach 1 in reference to its Mustang-derived styling features, has been confirmed as a globally engineered model to be revealed next year, with UK deliveries starting in 2020.
The crossover, codenamed CX430, will be built on the C2 platform used for the new Focus and has been in Ford’s product plan for several years.
The CX430 will be additional to the Kuga and, since it is based on the front-wheel-drive C2 platform, it is expected to be conventional hatchback-like, with a slightly raised driving position.
Ford has identified ‘white paper’ models like the CX430 to replace saloons and hatches in its US line-up. Further crossovers with Mustang design cues and front-drive chassis are a strong possibility because they combine “the best attributes of cars and utilities, such as high ride height, space and versatility”.
The crossover, codenamed CX430, will be built on the C2 platform used for the new Focus and has been in Ford’s product plan for several years.
The CX430 will be additional to the Kuga and, since it is based on the front-wheel-drive C2 platform, it is expected to be conventional hatchback-like, with a slightly raised driving position.
Ford has identified ‘white paper’ models like the CX430 to replace saloons and hatches in its US line-up. Further crossovers with Mustang design cues and front-drive chassis are a strong possibility because they combine “the best attributes of cars and utilities, such as high ride height, space and versatility”.
Crossovers and SUVs with performance badges may be our imminent future, but, hey, at least a Mustang-styled SUV seems less likely to hit up the local Cars and Coffee regularly.
Update 3:17 p.m. A Ford representative responded to Jalopnik, saying there’s “some confusion” with the Autocar report. But because it’s too early to talk about the future lineup, the representative said, there was no comment from Ford on the report other than directing Jalopnik to the statement the company made on the vehicle in March:
Ford’s five flexible vehicle architectures – body-on-frame, front-wheel-drive unibody, rear-wheel-drive unibody, commercial van unibody and BEV – are paired with module “families” that address the power pack, electrical pack and vehicle configurations. Seventy percent of each vehicle’s engineering will be driven from this new architecture approach, with 30 percent of content – including grilles, hoods, doors and more – customized for each vehicle.
06-27-2018, 08:20 AM
#155
Moderator
https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/20...tivated-seats/
Apparently, the increasingly complex array of buttons on the side of a modern driver’s seat has become too much for humans to process. There’s just too many ways to adjust our seating position (though not in this writer’s car).
What if, instead of pressing buttons and switches, we could bark orders or use a touchpad? That’s the future Ford envisions.
In a U.S. patent dated June 26th (kudos to the intrepid Bozi Tatarevic), Ford Global Technologies offers a solution, though it’s up to the reader to determine if it’s even an improvement over what we have now. Many of us aren’t flummoxed by a power driver’s seat, even if it’s a 30-way wonderchair.
Ford’s patent utilizes a voice input device and touchscreen input device working in unison with an adjustment actuator to control seat movements.
Because “seats are being developed and offered with increasing numbers of moveable portions with increasingly complex or nuanced movements,” it can be difficult to bundle the buttons and switches into a physical control array “in an intuitive manner,” the patent reads.
Ford’s solution allows a user to initiate a seat movement with either a voice command or touchscreen input, and to stop the movement in one of the same ways. Choosing the nature of the seat movement (its adjustment mode) can also be a verbal exchange.
Ford claims the patent offers a hands-free way to adjust seating position, and would incorporate features to limit seat movement “based on occupant safety.”
Needlessly complex, or just the ticket for a cushy ride? You decide.
What if, instead of pressing buttons and switches, we could bark orders or use a touchpad? That’s the future Ford envisions.
In a U.S. patent dated June 26th (kudos to the intrepid Bozi Tatarevic), Ford Global Technologies offers a solution, though it’s up to the reader to determine if it’s even an improvement over what we have now. Many of us aren’t flummoxed by a power driver’s seat, even if it’s a 30-way wonderchair.
Ford’s patent utilizes a voice input device and touchscreen input device working in unison with an adjustment actuator to control seat movements.
Because “seats are being developed and offered with increasing numbers of moveable portions with increasingly complex or nuanced movements,” it can be difficult to bundle the buttons and switches into a physical control array “in an intuitive manner,” the patent reads.
Ford’s solution allows a user to initiate a seat movement with either a voice command or touchscreen input, and to stop the movement in one of the same ways. Choosing the nature of the seat movement (its adjustment mode) can also be a verbal exchange.
Ford claims the patent offers a hands-free way to adjust seating position, and would incorporate features to limit seat movement “based on occupant safety.”
Needlessly complex, or just the ticket for a cushy ride? You decide.
07-26-2018, 03:28 PM
#156
Moderator
Ford baby Bronco teased
Back in March, Ford invited journalists out to its headquarters and laid out its electric future for the next few years. We learned a little about the Bronco and Mustang GT500, but the rest of the info was a secret. And this was before the company bowed out of the sedan game entirely. Now the Blue Oval has made public a few more pictures from the event, and we can talk about a few more details.
First, the Bronco will definitely spawn a baby brother. The smaller off-roader looks like a Jeep Renegade competitor, since the Bronco plans to take on the Wrangler. We saw the front end in March, but from the side it looks very similar to the classic we’re all excited for. Unlike the bigger Bronco and Wrangler, the baby bruiser doesn’t sport a spare tire in back.
The company will also introduce four new models by 2020. From the slide, it looks like two SUVs and two “cars.” One of the SUVs could be the smaller Bronco. The Mach 1 is returning and was going to be used for a “ute”-inspired Mustang, but it would make way more sense as a straight up electric Mustang coupe. And that’s what we see in the picture. It shouldn’t be the GT500, because that wouldn’t be a “new” nameplate. There was also talk of a Fusion sport wagon, which doesn't sound like a bad idea to us.We know that all of Ford's SUVs and crossovers will have hybrid versions, and from the teaser shot it looks like we get glimpses of the Explorer, Edge, Escape, EcoSport and maybe the Focus Active tall wagon/crossover at the end. Finally, check out the lines of the next Ford Escape below.
Ford Bronco will get a little brother; other Ford SUVs and crossovers going hybrid
Four new Ford products are expected by 2020, and you can bet none will be sedans
Back in March, Ford invited journalists out to its headquarters and laid out its electric future for the next few years. We learned a little about the Bronco and Mustang GT500, but the rest of the info was a secret. And this was before the company bowed out of the sedan game entirely. Now the Blue Oval has made public a few more pictures from the event, and we can talk about a few more details.
First, the Bronco will definitely spawn a baby brother. The smaller off-roader looks like a Jeep Renegade competitor, since the Bronco plans to take on the Wrangler. We saw the front end in March, but from the side it looks very similar to the classic we’re all excited for. Unlike the bigger Bronco and Wrangler, the baby bruiser doesn’t sport a spare tire in back.
The company will also introduce four new models by 2020. From the slide, it looks like two SUVs and two “cars.” One of the SUVs could be the smaller Bronco. The Mach 1 is returning and was going to be used for a “ute”-inspired Mustang, but it would make way more sense as a straight up electric Mustang coupe. And that’s what we see in the picture. It shouldn’t be the GT500, because that wouldn’t be a “new” nameplate. There was also talk of a Fusion sport wagon, which doesn't sound like a bad idea to us.We know that all of Ford's SUVs and crossovers will have hybrid versions, and from the teaser shot it looks like we get glimpses of the Explorer, Edge, Escape, EcoSport and maybe the Focus Active tall wagon/crossover at the end. Finally, check out the lines of the next Ford Escape below.
08-07-2018, 03:40 PM
#157
Moderator
https://www.engadget.com/2018/08/07/...tons-eksovest/
People still build cars. While videos of giant robots welding vehicles are exciting to watch (sparks!), humans are an important part of the assembly of vehicles. However, as you would expect, doing the same thing over and over often leads to injuries. For workers reaching up all day, that motion can be especially hard on their shoulders. To help, Ford will be offering exoskeleton vests to folks in 15 assembly plants around the world.
The EksoVests (built by Ekso Bionics) are available for employees that have to reach overhead multiple times a day. The exoskeleton vest doesn't have a motor or battery pack to make its wearer stronger. Instead, it's a mechanical device that offers passive arm support from five to 15 pounds.
As the person reaches up, the vest offers their arms additional assistance. The higher they reach, the more support the system adds. "It's not a strength enhancer, it's an endurance enhancer," Marty Smets, Ford's technical expert of human systems and virtual manufacturing, told Engadget.
Ford has been testing the vest at two plants in the Dearborn, Michigan area for the past 16 months. Smets said that thanks to the success of that trial -- where employees used the vest during 86 percent of their shift -- the automaker is expanding the use of the vests to 15 assembly plants around the world.
Smets was quick to note that those using the vest are only a small portion of the assembly line. The company will issue a total of 75 exoskeletons, which, in the grand scheme of things, isn't that many. "Today, it's only the passive upper-arm support skeleton that helps with overhead work," Smets said. However, it's just the beginning.
Ford is looking long-term with these vests. By rolling out exoskeletons now (even at a small scale), it's able to set up a system that can be augmented or grown as the technology matures. "We wanted to focus on one exoskeleton initially, then expand from there as the space grows," Smets said.
Hopefully, that means more people that build the cars we drive will be less likely to be injured on the job.
The EksoVests (built by Ekso Bionics) are available for employees that have to reach overhead multiple times a day. The exoskeleton vest doesn't have a motor or battery pack to make its wearer stronger. Instead, it's a mechanical device that offers passive arm support from five to 15 pounds.
As the person reaches up, the vest offers their arms additional assistance. The higher they reach, the more support the system adds. "It's not a strength enhancer, it's an endurance enhancer," Marty Smets, Ford's technical expert of human systems and virtual manufacturing, told Engadget.
Ford has been testing the vest at two plants in the Dearborn, Michigan area for the past 16 months. Smets said that thanks to the success of that trial -- where employees used the vest during 86 percent of their shift -- the automaker is expanding the use of the vests to 15 assembly plants around the world.
Smets was quick to note that those using the vest are only a small portion of the assembly line. The company will issue a total of 75 exoskeletons, which, in the grand scheme of things, isn't that many. "Today, it's only the passive upper-arm support skeleton that helps with overhead work," Smets said. However, it's just the beginning.
Ford is looking long-term with these vests. By rolling out exoskeletons now (even at a small scale), it's able to set up a system that can be augmented or grown as the technology matures. "We wanted to focus on one exoskeleton initially, then expand from there as the space grows," Smets said.
Hopefully, that means more people that build the cars we drive will be less likely to be injured on the job.
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09-21-2018, 09:25 AM
#158
Moderator
https://www.carscoops.com/2018/09/fo...tonomous-semi/
Ford used the Hannover Motor Show to introduce the updated Transit family, but the company also had a surprise – the F-Vision Future Truck concept.
Unveiled earlier today, the F-Vision isn’t a preview of the next-generation F-150 but rather a futuristic semi created by Ford Otosan in Turkey. The company didn’t say much about the model, but the images show it has an aerodynamic design with a distinctive windscreen which blends into the body.
The concept also has massive wheels and a distinctive lower section which features air intakes that are surrounded by slender LED lights. We can also see video camera side mirrors and a flush-mounted door which provides access to the cabin.
The aerodynamic design extends to the cargo trailer as it features recessed wheels and sculpted panels. The end result looks a lot more futuristic than the traditional white box which are a common sight on the highway.
Ford was surprisingly tight-lipped about the concept, but Motor Authority says the F-Vision has an electric powertrain and a Level 4 semi-autonomous driving system. The latter should enable the truck to drive itself in certain situations.
The concept also uses lightweight components and features an “interactive front end” can reportedly display different designs. That’s pretty vague, but one of the live photos shows a diamond-like pattern being projected onto the front of the semi.
While the concept shares some similarities with the other futuristic semis, Ford reportedly said the F-Vision was inspired by Marvel superheroes. This seems plausible the front of the concept sort of resembles Ironman’s helmet.
Unveiled earlier today, the F-Vision isn’t a preview of the next-generation F-150 but rather a futuristic semi created by Ford Otosan in Turkey. The company didn’t say much about the model, but the images show it has an aerodynamic design with a distinctive windscreen which blends into the body.
The concept also has massive wheels and a distinctive lower section which features air intakes that are surrounded by slender LED lights. We can also see video camera side mirrors and a flush-mounted door which provides access to the cabin.
The aerodynamic design extends to the cargo trailer as it features recessed wheels and sculpted panels. The end result looks a lot more futuristic than the traditional white box which are a common sight on the highway.
Ford was surprisingly tight-lipped about the concept, but Motor Authority says the F-Vision has an electric powertrain and a Level 4 semi-autonomous driving system. The latter should enable the truck to drive itself in certain situations.
The concept also uses lightweight components and features an “interactive front end” can reportedly display different designs. That’s pretty vague, but one of the live photos shows a diamond-like pattern being projected onto the front of the semi.
While the concept shares some similarities with the other futuristic semis, Ford reportedly said the F-Vision was inspired by Marvel superheroes. This seems plausible the front of the concept sort of resembles Ironman’s helmet.
11-09-2018, 08:49 AM
#159
Race Director
Ford Motor Co. is buying an electric scooter company called Spin, the automaker said Thursday, in a bid to expand its mobility offerings and reach consumers who need short-distance transportation solutions.
Ford said the scooters will roll out in 100 cities over the next 18 months, including a Thursday launch here.
"We understand mobility is not just vehicles at this point," Sunny Madra, vice president of Ford's mobility incubator, Ford X, told Automotive News. "This is our play in addressing the micromobility business."
News of the acquisition comes a week after crosstown rival General Motors said it would launch a new brand and lineup of electrified bicycles in 2019. Ford also offers bicycles through Ford GoBike, a West Coast bike rental service.
Ford did not reveal the purchase price for Spin. Axios, which reported the deal Wednesday afternoon, described it as being around $100 million, citing two sources. Originally, the report put the deal at about $40 million.
Dockless electric scooters have exploded in popularity in cities across the U.S. in recent months. Customers can download an app, locate a scooter, scan a code and ride. Prices are typically $1 to unlock a scooter and 15 cents per minute of usage.
Scooter startups, including Lime and Bird, have said customers have taken 10 million rides in less than a year. By comparison, Madra said it took Uber three years to reach 3 million rides.
"That showed us there was a significant market," said Madra, who came to the company from Autonomic, a startup that Ford Smart Mobility bought in January. "It became obvious to us we wanted to accelerate in this space."
Ford partnered with Purdue University this year to offer electric scooters as part of a research project designed to determine how best to launch them in different communities. Critics of the services argue some companies dump hundreds of scooters in a city without getting permission from local governments.Spin, which launched its scooter service in February, has operations in 13 cities and campuses across the U.S. Madra said the company has made a point to engage with every city before it launches, which was a big reason Ford chose it.
"They do not launch without permission; they share usage data with cities; and they work with local officials and university campuses to design educational tools around parking and riding rules," Madra said in a blog post expected to go up Thursday. "This approach aligns well with our values at Ford and with our ambition to be the world's most trusted company."
The amount of scooters available in each city will vary; Detroit, for example, limits companies to 400 each.
Ford plans to keep the Spin name and doesn't expect to put any of the automaker's branding on the scooters, Madra said. He declined to say whether Ford expects the business to be profitable, saying only that the company thinks "it represents a healthy business for us.
Read more: https://autoweek.com/article/car-new...#ixzz5WMwopSxA
Ford said the scooters will roll out in 100 cities over the next 18 months, including a Thursday launch here.
"We understand mobility is not just vehicles at this point," Sunny Madra, vice president of Ford's mobility incubator, Ford X, told Automotive News. "This is our play in addressing the micromobility business."
News of the acquisition comes a week after crosstown rival General Motors said it would launch a new brand and lineup of electrified bicycles in 2019. Ford also offers bicycles through Ford GoBike, a West Coast bike rental service.
Ford did not reveal the purchase price for Spin. Axios, which reported the deal Wednesday afternoon, described it as being around $100 million, citing two sources. Originally, the report put the deal at about $40 million.
Dockless electric scooters have exploded in popularity in cities across the U.S. in recent months. Customers can download an app, locate a scooter, scan a code and ride. Prices are typically $1 to unlock a scooter and 15 cents per minute of usage.
Scooter startups, including Lime and Bird, have said customers have taken 10 million rides in less than a year. By comparison, Madra said it took Uber three years to reach 3 million rides.
"That showed us there was a significant market," said Madra, who came to the company from Autonomic, a startup that Ford Smart Mobility bought in January. "It became obvious to us we wanted to accelerate in this space."
Ford partnered with Purdue University this year to offer electric scooters as part of a research project designed to determine how best to launch them in different communities. Critics of the services argue some companies dump hundreds of scooters in a city without getting permission from local governments.Spin, which launched its scooter service in February, has operations in 13 cities and campuses across the U.S. Madra said the company has made a point to engage with every city before it launches, which was a big reason Ford chose it.
"They do not launch without permission; they share usage data with cities; and they work with local officials and university campuses to design educational tools around parking and riding rules," Madra said in a blog post expected to go up Thursday. "This approach aligns well with our values at Ford and with our ambition to be the world's most trusted company."
The amount of scooters available in each city will vary; Detroit, for example, limits companies to 400 each.
Ford plans to keep the Spin name and doesn't expect to put any of the automaker's branding on the scooters, Madra said. He declined to say whether Ford expects the business to be profitable, saying only that the company thinks "it represents a healthy business for us.
Read more: https://autoweek.com/article/car-new...#ixzz5WMwopSxA
12-06-2018, 09:59 AM
#160
Moderator
https://carbuzz.com/news/ford-patent...lazy-americans
The Ford Motor Company clearly has a fairly hefty development budget and a lot of idle time on its hands. How else would you explain its patent for the detachable rear wheel that turns into an electric unicycle, or perhaps the cylindrical vehicle compartment that looks like a dining room on wheels?
Well, this particular patent application is for something that could actually be a really useful tool, it is the cargo loading conveyor belt or as it is officially called: ‘the third-row conveyor load floor’.
The diagrams show how the system would work in conjunction with the rearmost seat adjustment motors, controlling two separate rows of conveyor belts that run the length of the cargo bay. With the rear seats folded down you would apparently simply place your shopping in the cargo bay at the tailgate end and watch it head off into the interior. Seems like a great idea, so why didn’t anyone think of it before?
We can think of two things just by looking at the diagrams. Firstly, what happens if you don’t stop the conveyor belt in time and your shopping spills out over the rear seats and into the footwells? Secondly, if you have to lower the rear seats anyway, why not just open the rear doors and put your stuff in the back straight away?
Perhaps the system would work best on massive full-size SUVs where reaching into the interior is best accomplished with Mister Fantastic’s super stretchy arms. Either way, the conveyor belt system could of course be used for a whole host of other useful things, such as a toddler exercise machine or perhaps as a training tool for aspiring shopping store checkout assistants.
As crazy as some of these patents may seem, they do sometimes lead to practical and useful solutions and the third-row conveyor load floor may just be the start of something great.
Well, this particular patent application is for something that could actually be a really useful tool, it is the cargo loading conveyor belt or as it is officially called: ‘the third-row conveyor load floor’.
The diagrams show how the system would work in conjunction with the rearmost seat adjustment motors, controlling two separate rows of conveyor belts that run the length of the cargo bay. With the rear seats folded down you would apparently simply place your shopping in the cargo bay at the tailgate end and watch it head off into the interior. Seems like a great idea, so why didn’t anyone think of it before?
We can think of two things just by looking at the diagrams. Firstly, what happens if you don’t stop the conveyor belt in time and your shopping spills out over the rear seats and into the footwells? Secondly, if you have to lower the rear seats anyway, why not just open the rear doors and put your stuff in the back straight away?
Perhaps the system would work best on massive full-size SUVs where reaching into the interior is best accomplished with Mister Fantastic’s super stretchy arms. Either way, the conveyor belt system could of course be used for a whole host of other useful things, such as a toddler exercise machine or perhaps as a training tool for aspiring shopping store checkout assistants.
As crazy as some of these patents may seem, they do sometimes lead to practical and useful solutions and the third-row conveyor load floor may just be the start of something great.