Ford Announces 'Hands-Free’ Active Drive Assist With Driver-Facing Camera for Mach-E, Available Next Year with OTA Update

[Wildthing]

FYI I would suggest checking with your dealer they probably have the price of the options on the select. In Canada the confort package includes a bunch of stuff including memory seats for $1995 Can, 19" wheels and tires, black roof heated seats and steering wheel. Camera 360 is a $550 Can option and the Park assist is a $1995 Can, so it will probably be at leasxt 25% cheaper in the US. So the Select is still a good chpoice when adding those options, myself I am thinking about it to replace my Premium reservation, for us here it still a Rough $7500 difference.

$1,595, not $1,995

Sponsored

 

[s7davis]

Sorry for coming in late to this thread. But seems people are mixing up what fords 360 is to Tesla’s AP.

the best way to look at what is free on ford is all the adaptive cruise control stuff that is on most all high end cars now. Ford is asking for a fee if you want hands free driving which my guess is only a OTA to activate. Which I know they saying some hardware is missing but to be honest if they don’t install everything on all vehicles it will cost them more to have cars serviced to get the hardware required. I think it will already have all hardware needed just needs software activation.

On the Tesla AP free well technically the AP that is free is really just adaptive cruise, lane keep assist, cross traffic, and other safety measure which is all standard on the Mach e.

To me it sounds like people are really getting caught up on actual wording and not dissecting what both actually are. And if you want to compare free AP to ford AP then ford will lose however Tesla AP was not standard until what last year or year and a half so people had to pay for AP for 5 years until it was standard for 5k. And people complaining they will have to pay a small fee. My guess is if you can afford these cara you not penny pinchingliving paycheck to paycheck. I’m not trying to be harsh but why do people want something new but yet they want a feature for free just cause it is on another company. If that is the case stick withyour Tesla.

 

[ClaudeMach-E]

$1,595, not $1,995

Yes sorry for the error

 

[eager2own]

Which I know they saying some hardware is missing but to be honest if they don’t install everything on all vehicles it will cost them more to have cars serviced to get the hardware required. I think it will already have all hardware needed just needs software activation.

If the hands free systems requires 360 cameras, that is hardware that may not be included in all vehicles. So I wouldn't assume that you can buy a Select or GT without paying for that option and just get an OTA software activation in the future.
I don't understand your point that it would cost more to Ford not to put the hardware on all vehicles. It's not like they have to install it free of charge on a Select when its "serviced to get the hardware required."

And people complaining they will have to pay a small fee. My guess is if you can afford these cara you not penny pinchingliving paycheck to paycheck. I’m not trying to be harsh but why do people want something new but yet they want a feature for free just cause it is on another company. If that is the case stick withyour Tesla.

There is nothing wrong with people wanting clarification on what is included in the standard pricing, particularly if they feel that new information implies they now need to pay more for something they thought was included. Some folks are stretching to buy an MME as a dream car, and learning that a feature they thought would be included is now going to cost a few grand more (if that is the case) can have an impact -- especially if they are trying to compare the MME to other options in the market.

 

[Stickboy46]

Sorry for coming in late to this thread. But seems people are mixing up what fords 360 is to Tesla’s AP.

the best way to look at what is free on ford is all the adaptive cruise control stuff that is on most all high end cars now. Ford is asking for a fee if you want hands free driving which my guess is only a OTA to activate. Which I know they saying some hardware is missing but to be honest if they don’t install everything on all vehicles it will cost them more to have cars serviced to get the hardware required. I think it will already have all hardware needed just needs software activation.

On the Tesla AP free well technically the AP that is free is really just adaptive cruise, lane keep assist, cross traffic, and other safety measure which is all standard on the Mach e.

To me it sounds like people are really getting caught up on actual wording and not dissecting what both actually are. And if you want to compare free AP to ford AP then ford will lose however Tesla AP was not standard until what last year or year and a half so people had to pay for AP for 5 years until it was standard for 5k. And people complaining they will have to pay a small fee. My guess is if you can afford these cara you not penny pinchingliving paycheck to paycheck. I’m not trying to be harsh but why do people want something new but yet they want a feature for free just cause it is on another company. If that is the case stick withyour Tesla.

I think most people have the issue with the fee because in interviews with official Ford Spokesmen before this have stated it was going to be a Free OTA. Now it's paid OTA. Many were hoping this was the car that was going to change the way Ford handles nickel and diming customers. This reversal seems to be a red flag that it may not be the case. My biggest concern now is... When will Ford start making Model year cutoffs on OTAs? "Oh look at this great new software improvement... Trade in your 2021 Mach E for a 2022 to get it!".

To Me, THAT'S why them reversing course and deciding to charge for it is a big deal.

 

[s7davis]

So what I was getting at with the servicing and them not putting in the hardware at factory is this. Let say I get the select model without the option of the hands free system. So if I was reading correctly they will not pre install all the hardware needed for the hands free system meaning all the cameras/radar needed for it.

But then I decided to upgrade to hands free system after delivery of car or at a later time lets say for 3k or whatever it will be. Then you will need to have to set up a service appointment to get all the necessary hardware installed, ford will need all the parts on hand, and so on. Then Ford will have to pay the technicians the labor hours. See how this keep accumulating charges on Fords end.

However, if all required already pre installed just software limited its more of a win/win for Ford. So same scenario I get the Select model still without the hands free option but it is already pre-installed at factory just not activated. Then pay the 3k or whatever at the time of your choosing with the Ford Pass account then they will just send a ping to your vehicle/update over the air (OTA) to your personal vehicle enabling those new features for a price. That is what I was thinking would be more beneficial for Ford.

I do beleive the hardware will already be pre installed on all vehicles it will just be a software limited until you purchase the upgrade. So technically all the hardware is free with purchase but software is what you have to pay for. Like Ford Reps said the Rt. 1, Premium, GT, and probably First Edition it all comes standard with hands free. So it really I think just the select as an option.

We will all know more as the week goes on as the configurator goes live next week.

 

[timbop]

Ford is asking for a fee if you want hands free driving which my guess is only a OTA to activate.

No, that is incorrect. The Select and GT do not come with the hardware, that's why ford specifically states you need the prep package

Which I know they saying some hardware is missing but to be honest if they don’t install everything on all vehicles it will cost them more to have cars serviced to get the hardware required. I think it will already have all hardware needed just needs software activation.

YOU'RE confusing Tesla with everyone else - Tesla puts the hardware in and software locks, Ford and others typically do not. You're making this statement in a vacuum and have no basis to support it

On the Tesla AP free well technically the AP that is free is really just adaptive cruise, lane keep assist, cross traffic, and other safety measure which is all standard on the Mach e.

AP is a little more sophisticated than that, and save for having to have your hand in contact with the wheel AP much more closely correlates to the handsfree features as reported by Ford.

And if you want to compare free AP to ford AP then ford will lose however Tesla AP was not standard until what last year or year and a half so people had to pay for AP for 5 years until it was standard for 5k.

For one, I am looking to buy a car in the next 12 months, not 3 years ago - so comparisons to past costs is irrelevant. Buying a model 3 next year has free AP. On the flip side, if I just want a lesser capable lane keep assist in the Select Mach E I do not have to buy the added prep hardware or software.

And people complaining they will have to pay a small fee.

what is small to me may be very different than what is small to a billion dollar corporation. worse, I will already own the car before I find out how much the fee will be.

My guess is if you can afford these cara you not penny pinchingliving paycheck to paycheck. I’m not trying to be harsh but why do people want something new but yet they want a feature for free just cause it is on another company.

It is not a case of penny pinching by me, but Ford trying to nickel-and-dime me. Lately every press announcement seems to have footnotes that will cost me more money: even their promise of free towing suddenly has a caveat that free only applies to some customers!

If that is the case stick withyour Tesla.

The Mach E was intended to be the 6th Ford I've owned over the last 35+ years, and have never driven a Tesla until 2 weeks ago. I am looking for an AFFORDABLE BEV because I drive a lot and want to do my part for my grandkids' futures. I do not want a luxury car, but am willing to spend more to meet that primary goal. My mortgage will be paid off next month and I certainly CAN afford to spend more if I chose - but I'd rather stuff more away for my retirement than piss it away on an overpriced depreciating asset. I can spend a known $38k on a model 3 with known features, or I can watch Ford keep making announcements that up the price every time.

For now my only decision is to wait until next year to order either the Model 3 or Mach E (after ALL the actual costs and performance known). I'm done with Ford's games.

 

[Stickboy46]

So what I was getting at with the servicing and them not putting in the hardware at factory is this. Let say I get the select model without the option of the hands free system. So if I was reading correctly they will not pre install all the hardware needed for the hands free system meaning all the cameras/radar needed for it.

But then I decided to upgrade to hands free system after delivery of car or at a later time lets say for 3k or whatever it will be. Then you will need to have to set up a service appointment to get all the necessary hardware installed, ford will need all the parts on hand, and so on. Then Ford will have to pay the technicians the labor hours. See how this keep accumulating charges on Fords end.

However, if all required already pre installed just software limited its more of a win/win for Ford. So same scenario I get the Select model still without the hands free option but it is already pre-installed at factory just not activated. Then pay the 3k or whatever at the time of your choosing with the Ford Pass account then they will just send a ping to your vehicle/update over the air (OTA) to your personal vehicle enabling those new features for a price. That is what I was thinking would be more beneficial for Ford.

I do beleive the hardware will already be pre installed on all vehicles it will just be a software limited until you purchase the upgrade. So technically all the hardware is free with purchase but software is what you have to pay for. Like Ford Reps said the Rt. 1, Premium, GT, and probably First Edition it all comes standard with hands free. So it really I think just the select as an option.

We will all know more as the week goes on as the configurator goes live next week.

Where your argument falls apart is when you assume that Ford won't charge you when you want to upgrade to the Hands Free driving. You are correct there will be costs associated with ordering and installing the hardware. Ford won't be the one paying that, the customer will. It will also be at a markup compared to buying it with the car so they can profit off that too.

Ford (and the dealers) would LOVE for you to not have the hardware preinstalled then come back later and want it. They are either going to charge you a big markup or say "oh that's not available to be done anymore but I can sure get you into a new car with it already installed!"

They were pretty clear in their latest release.. higher versions have the hardware installed but you will pay for the software unlock later. Lower versions you can choose to pay now for the hardware or pay later to have it installed after purchase. Then pay again to have the software unlocked.

 

[RyZt]

AP is a little more sophisticated than that, and save for having to have your hand in contact with the wheel AP much more closely correlates to the handsfree features as reported by Ford.

I saw multiple similar statements in this thread.

I'm genuinely interested in how Tesla Autopilot (without FSD) is "more sophisticated" than Adaptive Cruise Control (with Stop and Go) and Lane Keep Assist found in any other car models.

I could have misunderstood Tesla Autopilot all along, and that misunderstanding may have lead to me making misinformed decisions.

 

[eager2own]

So what I was getting at with the servicing and them not putting in the hardware at factory is this. Let say I get the select model without the option of the hands free system. So if I was reading correctly they will not pre install all the hardware needed for the hands free system meaning all the cameras/radar needed for it.

But then I decided to upgrade to hands free system after delivery of car or at a later time lets say for 3k or whatever it will be. Then you will need to have to set up a service appointment to get all the necessary hardware installed, ford will need all the parts on hand, and so on. Then Ford will have to pay the technicians the labor hours. See how this keep accumulating charges on Fords end.

However, if all required already pre installed just software limited its more of a win/win for Ford. So same scenario I get the Select model still without the hands free option but it is already pre-installed at factory just not activated. Then pay the 3k or whatever at the time of your choosing with the Ford Pass account then they will just send a ping to your vehicle/update over the air (OTA) to your personal vehicle enabling those new features for a price. That is what I was thinking would be more beneficial for Ford.

I do beleive the hardware will already be pre installed on all vehicles it will just be a software limited until you purchase the upgrade. So technically all the hardware is free with purchase but software is what you have to pay for. Like Ford Reps said the Rt. 1, Premium, GT, and probably First Edition it all comes standard with hands free. So it really I think just the select as an option.

We will all know more as the week goes on as the configurator goes live next week.

I don't even know where to start with all the assumptions you make. You really think that, if you buy a Select but don't want to pay for the hardware, Ford would eat the cost of the hardware upgrades when you change your mind in the future? That Ford would charge you the same OTA software fee as everyone else but would eat the cost of the hardware installation?
Not only does this make no sense, but Ford has already stated that the GT and Select won't come standard with all the hardware. The Compare Model Specs tab on ford.com already tells you that all models come with Ford copilot 360 and Ford copilot 360 Assist. HOWEVER, active park and the 360 camera are optional and not standard on the Select or GT. So the only thing we don't know today is how much those hardware options will cost on those two trims (although it sounds like folks in Canada have gotten some pricing info on this in other threads).

 

[Billyk24]

I haven't tried it

There are multiple steps
first is a notification on the screen and it flashes blue
Next is it flashes red and it plays a REALLY loud beeping noise that would likely wake you up.

I haven't gone past that step but from my understanding if you don't respond there it will slow you down in your lane and turn your hazards on.

Next is it flashes red and it plays a REALLY loud beeping noise that would likely wake you up. ---Not so sure hearing impaired drivers would "hear" such. A vibration motion as found in alarm clocks would work better. BUT..falling asleep at the wheel is a no-no and should not be tolerated.

 

[ClaudeMach-E]

I don't even know where to start with all the assumptions you make. You really think that, if you buy a Select but don't want to pay for the hardware, Ford would eat the cost of the hardware upgrades when you change your mind in the future? That Ford would charge you the same OTA software fee as everyone else but would eat the cost of the hardware installation?
Not only does this make no sense, but Ford has already stated that the GT and Select won't come standard with all the hardware. The Compare Model Specs tab on ford.com already tells you that all models come with Ford copilot 360 and Ford copilot 360 Assist. HOWEVER, active park and the 360 camera are optional and not standard on the Select or GT. So the only thing we don't know today is how much those hardware options will cost on those two trims (although it sounds like folks in Canada have gotten some pricing info on this in other threads).

My belief is that the hardware will be install at the plant on all models simply because it will be cheaper for Ford and more efficient on the assembly line. Just imagine if they have to install a mirror with cam and then one with not ? Also probably that the wiring bundles will be ready for everything. So that is a reason I believe on FE-Premium and RT-1 hands free driving is included because you pay for all of the hardware/software, would be stupid to charge for hardware that would be partly useless if you don't have the software that comes with it. For the Select and GT Ford Co-Pilot 360 2.0 and Ford Co-Pilot Assist 2.0 is included has stated in the eager2own thread(we all are) like on the other models, and that I believe is enough to give you lane keep assist and probably intelligent cruise control with stop and go. For hands free driving on those 2 models you will have to had 360 Camera which is $550 Can and ParK Assist 2.0 which is $1995 Can, so figure at least 25% less in the US. They also have the Comfort package (67B) which is $1595 Can which gives you almost everything you find on the Premium except the panoramic roof and the B&O sound system. You will also get with this package 19" wheels and tire and Black roof. Pretty interesting in my opinion.

 

[Stickboy46]

Next is it flashes red and it plays a REALLY loud beeping noise that would likely wake you up. ---Not so sure hearing impaired drivers would "hear" such. A vibration motion as found in alarm clocks would work better. BUT..falling asleep at the wheel is a no-no and should not be tolerated.

Good to know. Though from video online... IF you do fall asleep. It will not disengage completely. It will just slow you to a stop with your flashers on. Which is probably the 2nd best scenario behind pulling you off to the side. Even in that case I'm not sure if that would be safe in case there was like a ditch or something

 

[Stickboy46]

My belief is that the hardware will be install at the plant on all models simply because it will be cheaper for Ford and more efficient on the assembly line. Just imagine if they have to install a mirror with cam and then one with not ? Also probably that the wiring bundles will be ready for everything. So that is a reason I believe on FE-Premium and RT-1 hands free driving is included because you pay for all of the hardware/software, would be stupid to charge for hardware that would be partly useless if you don't have the software that comes with it. For the Select and GT Ford Co-Pilot 360 2.0 and Ford Co-Pilot Assist 2.0 is included has stated in the eager2own thread(we all are) like on the other models, and that I believe is enough to give you lane keep assist and probably intelligent cruise control with stop and go. For hands free driving on those 2 models you will have to had 360 Camera which is $550 Can and ParK Assist 2.0 which is $1995 Can, so figure at least 25% less in the US. They also have the Comfort package (67B) which is $1595 Can which gives you almost everything you find on the Premium except the panoramic roof and the B&O sound system. You will also get with this package 19" wheels and tire and Black roof. Pretty interesting in my opinion.

Ford already has plenty of option packages. That's nothing new to them. It's simple.. they have stated the hardware won't be there unless you buy it. So it won't be there. Wiring will likely be there but the physical sensors and cameras will not. They will not give those for free. Ford is a penny pinching company.

You are making the assumption that Ford will do what is best for the customer and not what is best for their bottom line. That's a bad assumption

 

[eager2own]

My belief is that the hardware will be install at the plant on all models simply because it will be cheaper for Ford and more efficient on the assembly line. Just imagine if they have to install a mirror with cam and then one with not ? Also probably that the wiring bundles will be ready for everything. So that is a reason I believe on FE-Premium and RT-1 hands free driving is included because you pay for all of the hardware/software, would be stupid to charge for hardware that would be partly useless if you don't have the software that comes with it. For the Select and GT Ford Co-Pilot 360 2.0 and Ford Co-Pilot Assist 2.0 is included has stated in the eager2own thread(we all are) like on the other models, and that I believe is enough to give you lane keep assist and probably intelligent cruise control with stop and go. For hands free driving on those 2 models you will have to had 360 Camera which is $550 Can and ParK Assist 2.0 which is $1995 Can, so figure at least 25% less in the US. They also have the Comfort package (67B) which is $1595 Can which gives you almost everything you find on the Premium except the panoramic roof and the B&O sound system. You will also get with this package 19" wheels and tire and Black roof. Pretty interesting in my opinion.

We'll have to agree to disagree. I think that if you want 360 camera hardware on a Select, you better select the option and pay for it -- don't assume that "all cars will come with it installed due to manufacturing efficiencies" and you can just activate it later.
That would be like assuming that not selecting power-folding mirrors or memory seats or power liftgate on the Select is fine because, surely Ford will install the hardware (why would they install power mirrors and non-powered mirrors on the same assembly line), and you can just pay to have it activated later.

Sponsored