Ford Expands Remote Start

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Ford-SmartLink remote start

Ford will offer this summer an OBD2 device that equips older vehicles with remote start from a phone and other features.

Its new SmartLink plugs into the OBD2 port and works with an app to allow smartphone-based remote start, lock and unlock as well as WiFi for up to 8 passengers (4G hotspot) and car location plus car health reports.

It will work with Ford and Lincoln vehicles from 2010 to 2016 model years, it announced.

This is the first time an automaker has offered an OBD2 device designed to work specifically with its own cars, reported CNET.  Other car makers including GM, plus Ford itself, offer remote start from a phone through built-in modems in the car.

Using the OBD2 device and an app, parents will be able to set boundaries for teen drivers as well as speed limits.  Parents can receive a text when their teen violates the boundaries or speed limit.

SmartLink will be available at car dealers this summer at a price to be announced, which may include subscription fees, said CNET.

The device was born of a partnership between Ford, Delphi, and Verizon. (Verizon makes its own Hum device).

Source: Ford, CNET

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1 Comment

  1. do we know if this will allow Ford customers with the already equipped factory remote start to have APP access to the remote start?

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