Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Ford Pickups, Vans to Feature In-Dash Computers

CHICAGO --- Ford is further expanding its "smart" features for truck customers, announcing a collection of technologies for F-Series trucks and commercial E-Series vans that will help make business owners more productive and successful.

by Staff
February 7, 2008
2 min to read


CHICAGO --- Ford is further expanding its "smart" features for truck customers, announcing a collection of technologies for F-Series trucks and commercial E-Series vans that will help make business owners more productive and successful.

Ad Loading...

Ford Work Solutions delivers four innovative features:

Ad Loading...

-- An in-dash computer developed with Magneti Marelli and powered by Microsoft Auto that provides full high-speed Internet access via the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network and navigation by Garmin. This system allows customers to print invoices, check inventories and access documents stored on their home or office computer networks --- right on the job site.

-- Tool Link, a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) asset tracking system developed in partnership with DEWALT and ThingMagic. This enables customers to maintain a detailed real-time inventory of the tools or equipment stored in the pickup box.

-- Crew Chief, a fleet telematics and diagnostics system, which allows small fleet owners to efficiently manage their vehicles, quickly dispatch workers to job sites and keep detailed vehicle maintenance records.

-- Cable Lock security system developed in partnership with Master Lock to discourage theft of expensive tools too large to fit in the cab.

"Our truck customers are smart --- and they work hard," said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of the Americas. "Ford Work Solutions provides truck customers new technologies and tools to help them work even smarter and further boost their productivity."

Ad Loading...

F-Series has been the best-selling truck in America for 31 years. Ford Work Solutions adds still another dimension of capability for commercial truck owners.

All four Ford Work Solutions will be available this fall on the new 2009 Ford F-150 XL, STX, XLT and FX4 trucks; F-Series Super Duty XL, XLT and FX4 trucks; and all 2009 E-Series vans. Transit Connect vans join the lineup in mid-2009. In time, several of the features will be available for dealer installation to upgrade Ford Trucks already in service. 

More Operations

Amalgamation of fleet operating costs for 2026
Operations•by Chris Brown•November 1, 2026

Managing Fleet Costs in an Era of Permanent Volatility

Fleet operating costs have risen more than 20% since 2020, raising a key question: When does extending a vehicle's service life stop making financial sense?

Read More →
An Automotive Fleet podcast thumbnail
Operations•October 29, 2026

The Next Evolution of Fleet Management: Autonomous Operations

This opening keynote session at the Fleet Forward Conference highlights the future of autonomous driving for fleets.

Read More →
A picture of a transparent catalytic converter with blue text and the Automotive Fleet logo on the top.
Operations•October 29, 2026

How to Reduce the Total Cost of Risk From Catalytic Converter Theft

A stolen catalytic converter can cost fleets far more in downtime and lost productivity than in repairs. A total-cost-of-risk approach can help fleet managers quantify their exposure and prioritize theft prevention.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
AF news recap thumbnail
Operations•by Faith Howell•October 26, 2026

Personal-Use Charges Rise as Vehicle Values Fall | AF News Recap

Personal-use charges are climbing, wholesale used-vehicle values are declining, and commercial fleet sales growth is slowing. This week, we're breaking down the latest fleet data, plus how Element Fleet Management is helping Waymo prepare for its first Canadian robotaxi market.

Read More →
A transparent blue background of a hand stamping a paper is the background of text that says "What about fleet policy exceptions?" with the Automotive Fleet logo in the bottom right corner.
Operations•by Faith Howell•October 20, 2026

Here's When You Should Make an Exception to Fleet Policy

Fleet policies are designed to create consistency, but not every driver or situation fits neatly within standard rules.

Read More →
A hand writing on an ipad with a transparent AI graphic over it
Operations•October 20, 2026

AI-Native or AI-Acquired: What Should Fleet Managers Look for in an AI Platform?

Six questions can help fleet managers look beyond AI marketing claims to evaluate integration, data access, and real-world operational performance.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Chevin 2026 Buyes Guide cover
Sponsored•October 14, 2026

A buyer's guide to fleet management software in 2027

Buying fleet management software in 2027 means looking beyond features and price. As fleet operations, technology and expectations evolve, this guide explores what today’s fleet professionals should consider when choosing a system that can deliver value now and adapt to what comes next.

Read More →
An overhead image of a freeway system with no vehicles
Sponsored•by Shelley Mika•October 13, 2026

What Will Shape the Next Era of Fleet Management?

EVs, AI, and autonomous vehicles are reshaping fleet management. Discover what’s ahead—and how fleet leaders can prepare for the next era.

Read More →
A Cox Fleet technician working on the left with the rear view of a military man saluting a flag on the right
Operations•October 8, 2026

How Fleets Can Recruit and Train Veterans for Technician Roles

Here's how the technician shortage has affected uptime for fleets, and what to do about it.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A transparent toll background with the Automotive Fleet logo and Neology logo on top.
Operations•October 5, 2026

Avis Budget Group Deploys Neology Toll Management Technology Across Major Brands

Neology’s neoFleet platform will manage toll transactions and toll-authority operations for vehicles across Avis, Budget, Payless, Budget Truck and Zipcar.

Read More →