Ford has introduced its new Guard Mode solution for commercial vehicles, providing a connected vehicle security system to monitor vans in real time via smartphone.

Ford’s new Guard Mode security solution monitors vans in real time via smartphone

Guard Mode notifies owner-operators and drivers via their smartphone of potential breaches in security through Ford’s FordPass Pro app for commercial vehicle operators.

It’s one of a number of new solutions to draw upon the FordPass Connect onboard modem technology, which is now fitted as standard across the vast majority of Ford commercial vehicles and will be used to progressively roll out over-the-air (OTA) updates – starting first with Guard Mode.

The Guard Mode solution employs sensors to detect when someone enters the vehicle, opens the bonnet or load compartment, or starts the engine out of usual hours – for example after business hours or at the weekend. It then sends a notification to the owner’s smartphone using the vehicle’s FordPass Connect modem.

An alert will also be triggered if a vehicle is unlocked or started using a key – differing from usual conventional vehicle alarms and providing solutions for where a key has been stolen or cloned and providing additional benefits.

The Guard Mode screens in the FordPass Pro app also highlight the times the vehicle was accessed, the reason for alarms, when trigger actions happened and the vehicle’s last known location. Users will also soon be able to schedule when Guard Mode is activated.

“Our vans help keep our customers moving and the tools inside keep them working,” said Mark Harvey, director, Enterprise Connectivity, Ford of Europe. “FordPass Pro and Guard Mode help owners protect their vehicles – and their businesses – by keeping them one step ahead of the criminals. And this is just the start. As all new vehicles now come connected, we see huge potential in developing additional security features to help our customers’ businesses thrive.”