Why Ford and Microsoft Are Betting on New Software

Why would Ford, an automobile company, invest over $200 million into a little start-up computer company? Frequently a leader in the industry, Ford has teamed up with Microsoft to fund Pivotal, a company that specializes in mobile software for phones and tablets, in the hope of moving Ford into a more digital age. What does this mean to Ford Fusion dealers in Utah and across the country?

Last year Ford implemented its FordPass, an app designed to make it easier to get where you’re going, akin to Google Maps but with perks to Ford owners. The app, though new, is already widely popular for Ford owners and non-Ford owners, so it’s no wonder that the company would want to look more into building on its new phone presence.

Ten years ago, a company wasn’t competitive in any industry unless they had a website. Now the trend seems to be moving toward a company needing to have an app in order to be competitive. Microsoft, who is no stranger to an online presence or innovation, has teamed up with Ford in this venture to help the small company create a bigger presence on the mobile circuit. Ford Fusion dealers will eventually be able to customize these apps to the regions they are in, such as Utah, to provide a more personalized experience to its customer base.

The biggest obstacle a car company has with developing apps are the heavy laws around phone use with cars. Drivers can be pulled over and ticketed for looking at their phones. Ford Fusion dealerships, especially in Utah where highway safety is being cracked down on, help show new drivers how to implement hands-free apps from their cars so that they can both drive safely and stay in touch. With Ford investing so much into apps, more driver friendly tools will be developed soon to help busy drivers stay safe and keep up with their modern lives.

Joe Meyere  is an automotive writer reporter for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Henry Day Ford. Follow on Twitter.