SYDNEY: Ford’s Innovative Mobility Challenge Series has arrived to Australia to find out clever solutions to global motoring and transport needs.
Ford is asking innovators to invent a novel accessory or app that increases driver awareness in remote regions or over rugged terrain.
The main goal is to enhance driver self-sufficiency in difficult situations, like electrical failure, hazardous weather and dangerous road conditions.
The company is offering a total of US$15,000 (AU$19,200) in prizes for each region, with US$10,000 (AU$12,800) going to the winning submission.
Ford says that the goal of the Mobility Challenge Series is to build a better picture of needs in different markets, all to shape the carmaker’s future investments.
“We are driving innovation in every part of our business to be both a product and mobility company – and, ultimately, to change the way the world moves just as our founder Henry Ford did 111 years ago,” said Ken Washington, vice president for Research and Advanced Engineering.
“Some very innovative mobility solutions emerged from our first round of mobility challenges; this new challenge will help us discover new ways to assist people on the move in Australia’s Outback,” he said.