Helping Keep Vans Secure with Remote, Real-Time Alerts

Van crime is on the increase in Europe, with a tradesperson’s van now broken into once every 23 minutes in the U.K. Insurance claims for tool theft rose by more than 50 per cent in 2019, with theft costing U.K. tradespeople £264 million (€290 million) a year.

We have now developed a connected-vehicle security system that monitors vans in real-time and alerts small fleet managers, owner-operators and drivers via their smartphone of potential breaches in security¹.

Guard Mode is integrated into FordPass Pro, a smartphone app that helps owners to manage and control up to five vehicles, ensuring their fleet is ready for work with maximum uptime.

When activated – for example after business hours or at the weekend – Guard Mode employs various sensors to detect when someone enters the vehicle, opens the bonnet or load compartment, or starts the engine.

The system then sends – using the vehicle’s modem – a push notification to the owner’s smartphone. It will also send an alert if a vehicle is unlocked or started using a key – an action that would not trigger a conventional vehicle alarm and may be useful when a key has been stolen or cloned.

Guard Mode is our first feature that can be activated with an over-the-air software update². This means we can wirelessly deliver many new features and quality enhancements to customers’ vehicles as soon as they become available, enhancing productivity and minimising downtime.

Mark Harvey, Ford of Europe

“Our vans help keep our customers moving and the tools inside keep them working. FordPass Pro and Guard Mode help owners protect their vehicles – and their businesses – by keeping them one step ahead of the criminals.”

1 Guard Mode feature will be activated by an over-the-air software update for owners of existing vehicles with an activated FordPass Connect modem who are using the FordPass Pro app, and will be installed as standard on new vehicles. FordPass Pro app available in the following European countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and U.K.

2 The FordPass Pro smartphone app, FordPass Connect and complimentary connected services are required for remote features (see FordPass terms for details). Connected services and features depend network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features. FordPass Pro smartphone app connectivity requires FordPass Connect to be activated in the vehicle. FordPass Pro app compatible with Apple and Android smartphones and is available from the Apple App Store and Google Play store in 20 markets in Europe

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