Ford Makes Old Vehicles More Intelligent With SmartLink

You don't have to shell out thousands of dollars each year for the latest vehicle technology ^[1]. Ford's got your back.

The automaker today introduced ^[2] SmartLink—a device that plugs into contemporary cars to add a high-tech twist to everyday driving.

Connect the accessory to the OBD (on-board diagnostics) II port below the steering wheel of any 2010–2016 Ford or Lincoln for access to smartphone-based remote start, lock, and unlock; a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot capable of accepting up to eight devices; vehicle health and security alerts; and vehicle location assistance.

"Ford SmartLink will surprise and delight owners of recent model-year vehicles by adding some of today's most popular connectivity features," Stephen Odell, executive vice president of global marketing, sales, and service, said in a statement.

Developed in collaboration with Delphi Automotive and Verizon Telematics, SmartLink will be available this summer at Ford and Lincoln dealerships across the nation. An official release date was not revealed.

"From security to performance, we've conducted extensive testing and made a number of improvements to ensure Ford SmartLink enhances the customer experience for our owners," Ford CTO Raj Nair said.

Focus Electric, Fusion Energi, and C-Max Energi owners, meanwhile, are the first to access new home-to-car capabilities ^[3] via Ford and Amazon. Folks with an Echo, Echo Dot, or Amazon Tap can remote start, lock, or unlock doors, and get vehicle information from the comfort of their living room using voice commands.

And starting this summer, Ford drivers with Sync 3 can tap into Alexa's skills while driving: play and resume audiobooks, order items on Amazon, search for and transfer local destinations to the in-car navigation system.

These rollouts come after Ford and Toyota announced the SmartDeviceLink Consortium—a nonprofit that wants to give consumers more choices for connecting and controlling mobile apps on the road.