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Through devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers, we connect with the world around using wireless communication technology. Your Ford vehicle lets you do the same!
Having a connected vehicle means that, depending on how it is equipped, your Ford can communicate wirelessly with apps on your mobile device and with us, our partners, and our service providers.
Your Ford vehicle may be connected through Ford's SYNC, Wi-Fi, AppLink or Modem technologies. Check out the Technology section on Ford.co.uk to learn about these technologies, and you can find out what connectivity technology can be used, or is installed on your vehicle by consulting your owners' manual.
All digital roads are open to you when you purchase a Ford connected vehicle.
Ford Motor Company Limited is responsible for information received from your connected vehicle, and for the purposes of European data protection law, is the controller.
Ford Motor Company Limited is part of the Ford Motor Company Group.
For some processing activities described here, our parent company, Ford Motor Company, takes primary responsibility and is also a controller. Where this is the case, Ford Motor Company will work with us to ensure that your personal information, and your rights in relation to it, are protected.
When we use the terms "we", "our" or "us", unless we make clear otherwise, we are referring to Ford Motor Company Limited and Ford Motor Company.
Connected Vehicle Information is associated with your vehicle's unique identification number ('vehicle identification number' or 'VIN'), which can be linked to you as an owner or lessee, and with other vehicle component identifiers. You can find out more here, in-vehicle, in your owners' manual, using the Ford app (where available) or by contacting us using the details below.
You can set certain preferences for the collection of Connected Vehicle Information through the infotainment system’s settings in your vehicle. You can also call the Ford Customer Relations Center to learn about other options available to you.
Ford Customer Relationship Centre
Royal Oak Way South
Daventry
Northamptonshire
NN11 8NT
Telephone: 0203 564 4444
Activation of the modem in our vehicles provides a multitude of customer benefits, enabling you to take advantage of our full suite of connectivity features. Modem activation becomes even more powerful when you connect your Ford with your phone, connecting your vehicle to eliglble Connected Services including complimentary trial periods. See Ford app Terms for details.
Our equipped modem allows communication with the secure Ford cloud through cellular technology, much like a mobile device with a SIM card. Just like other parts of your vehicle, the cellular modem and its SIM are fitted at the factory.
Many different technologies work together to provide the convenience and latest-available content that comes with staying connected. Internet service providers or mobile network operators play a huge part in enabling much of the wireless communication we rely on. Our equipped modem is no exception and we work with Vodafone as our network provider for the cellular data network on which Ford app remote features and most Connected Services rely.
Once connected, your vehicle will send periodic alerts to us. These alerts contain a unique number which identifies your vehicle's SIM, your vehicle's VIN, and the electronic serial number of its modem. Just like in a mobile cellular device/mobile phone, these alerts enable you to have a fast and seamless experience when you’re ready to connect your vehicle using the Ford app.
Modem activation allows Connected Vehicle Information (described in more detail below) to be sent to us from your vehicle, and enables Ford Motor Company to conduct over-the-air software updates to the vehicle's software and systems.
At the time of purchase of your new connected Ford, your dealer will explain to you how your vehicle gets fully connected and how you can take advantage of all that connectivity has to offer. When you take delivery, the dealer will ensure that your vehicle connectivity settings are customized to your preferences and tell you how to de-activate the connection if you choose.
However connected you want to be, your SYNC system keeps you in control. You can set your preferences in vehicle, including in relation to what Connected Vehicle Information is shared with us, under Connectivity settings at any time. You can find out more about in-vehicle controls in your owners' manual.
Please note that disconnecting the vehicle, or making changes to data sharing settings may impact the quality or availability of certain Connected Services.
Because the vehicle will store your connectivity preferences and any data you import, like your address book, and may have associated Ford accounts, please don’t forget to do a Master Reset if you ever sell your car, or buy a used vehicle equipped with a modem! Your owners' manual explains how to do this.
Even if your vehicle is not equipped with FordPass Connect, you can connect your favorite mobile apps with SYNC to use in a safe and convenient way while driving. Your mobile device provides the data connection (so data charges will apply) and SYNC keeps you in control with infotainment integration, including voice controls.
SYNC will remember your mobile device so don't forget to do a Master Reset if you ever sell your car, or if you buy a used Ford vehicle.
If you change your mind about sharing vehicle data with a mobile app or want to stop using it with SYNC, you can always change your preferences in SYNC’s Mobile App settings in your vehicle.
There are some things you can look for in your car if you’re wondering about its connectivity settings.
You can check the status bar on the screen your in-vehicle infotainment system for alerts and notifications, including strength of nearby Wi-Fi networks or the strength of the connection coming from your mobile device.
In certain vehicles you will see icons displayed which indicate that Connected Vehicle Information, which may include location, is being transmitted by the vehicle.
For example, if your vehicle is fitted with FordPass Connect and a SYNC system with in-vehicle SYNC screen:
Shows that the modem is activated and that Connected Vehicle Information excluding location is being transmitted.
Shows that the vehicle’s location is being transmitted.
Shows the modem is activated, and that both Connected Vehicle Information and the vehicle’s location are being transmitted.
Not every situation is the same, so be sure to know how your vehicle is equipped. You can find out what connectivity equipment is installed in your vehicle, and how to tell what data is being transmitted from your vehicle, in your owners' manual or ask your dealer.
You can also find out how to disconnect your vehicle in your owners' manual. Please note that disconnecting the vehicle, or changing data sharing settings, may impact the quality or availability of certain services.
If you share your vehicle with others, please tell them about your connectivity settings. For example, let them know where they can find the information needed to connect to the vehicle's Wi-Fi Hotspot and where they can turn off location and other data sharing.
Multiple accounts can be created on the Ford app, and more than one account can be connected to a single vehicle. If you are driving a vehicle with more than one account connected to it, the user(s) of each account will have access to:
Similarly, if you are driving a vehicle with the Ford app connected to it, the user(s) of the app will have access to the information and services outlined above.
If you chose to connect an account on the Ford app to a vehicle which has already been connected to another account, your name and the fact that you have requested this connection will be shared, via the Ford app, with user(s) who connected to the vehicle before you. This user or users will be given the opportunity to allow or refuse your connection to the vehicle.
You can find out more about this, and how to stop data being shared between the vehicle and the Ford app, here.
Some vehicles have pop-up notifications in-vehicle to alert drivers of data sharing settings. Drivers with an unrecognized mobile device may see a pop-up displayed in-vehicle alerting them to the current vehicle data or location sharing settings. A mobile device is “recognized” if it has been paired with an infotainment system, like SYNC. This way if someone is new to your vehicle, or not driving it enough to pair their mobile device, the system will notify them of its current data sharing settings. So don’t forget, when putting back your seat position or adjusting your mirrors, you might also need to reset your data settings. Please note that disconnecting the vehicle, or changing data sharing settings, may impact the quality or availability of certain services.
We commit to managing your personal information, including your Connected Vehicle Information fairly and in accordance with our privacy policies and the law.
You can find out about Ford Motor Company Limited privacy practices more generally here.
You can also find out more about what information your vehicle collects and uses by consulting the owners' manual or Ford app (where available).
We will only process your personal information, including Connected Vehicle information, where we have legal grounds under European data protection law to do so, such as:
Connected Vehicle Information is information about the performance of your vehicle, its components and parts and their status, and how your vehicle is used, including how it is driven, its location and the environment it is driven in (for example, information about the temperature outside the vehicle). It is typically associated with your vehicle’s VIN, which can be linked to you as an owner or lessee. Here are types of Connected Vehicle Information we collect and the purposes for which, where we have a legal ground to do so, they will be used.
Based on the level of connectivity you choose for your vehicle and, in some cases, your choices in relation to your Connected Vehicle Information, not all categories of Connected Vehicle Information may be collected or used for the purposes described. Ford may anonymize data and use it for any purpose.
We process Connected Vehicle Information using state-of-the art data analytics to ensure the quality of services and derive actionable insights regarding the purposes described below.
| Category of Connected Vehicle Information | Examples of data | How is it used by Ford? |
Vehicle Information |
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), hardware model and part numbers, status of vehicle systems (e.g., fluid levels, tire pressure, and locks), odometer, and other information about how your vehicle is performing |
To provide connectivity services; to better understand and troubleshoot vehicle performance issues; for remote diagnostics purposes; for product research and improvement purposes; and for offering products and services tailored to you. Vehicle Information may be transmitted to us remotely through FordPass Connect, AppLink, Wi-Fi or obtained directly from the vehicle at service visits. |
Driving Characteristics and Behaviour |
Speed, use of accelerator, brakes, steering, seat belts, and other similar information about how the vehicle is used |
To provide connectivity services; for Driving Characteristics may be transmitted to us remotely through FordPass Connect or AppLink. |
In-Vehicle |
Wi-Fi and mobile network connection; software and firmware versions of vehicle systems like SYNC; performance and use of systems and vehicle cabin technology such as navigation, infotainment systems, phone/Bluetooth pairings, climate control, seat position, and SYNC; connectivity setting changes |
To provide connectivity services; to better understand and troubleshoot performance issues; for remote diagnostics purposes; for product research and improvement purposes; and for offering products and services tailored to you. In-Vehicle Services Information may be transmitted to us remotely through FordPass Connect, AppLink, Wi-Fi or obtained directly from the vehicle at service visits. |
Precise Location Information |
Latitude and longitude of your vehicle collected in real time. This information can be used to determine your device or vehicle’s current location, travel direction, and speed. |
To provide connectivity services (e.g. Live Traffic); to better understand and troubleshoot performance issues; for remote diagnostics purposes; for product research and improvement purposes; and for offering products and services tailored to you.
Precise Location Information may be used for offering products and services tailored to you.Precise Location Information is transmitted to us remotely through FordPass Connect or AppLink. |
Connection Status Alerts |
The modem periodically sends messages to stay connected to the telecommunications network. These messages include information that identifies your vehicle, the SIM and the electronic serial number of the modem. Network providers could have access to additional information, for example cell phone network tower identification. Note: FordPass Connect will continue to send this information unless the SIM is deactivated. Please contact your local Customer Relations Center for more information. |
To validate that FordPass Connect is capable of sending and receiving data through the telecommunications network. Connection Status Alerts are transmitted to Ford remotely through FordPass Connect. |
Over-the-Air Update Information |
Current software and firmware versions of FordPass Connect and other technical specifications associated with a specific modem or other vehicle modules/systems |
To ensure FordPass Connect, vehicle modules, and systems have all necessary and current updates and software versions. Over-the-Air Update Information is transmitted to us remotely through FordPass Connect or via Wi-Fi. |
We may also use the Connected Vehicle Information described above to:
We may, where permitted by law, combine and, using automated decision making processes, analyse your Connected Vehicle Information with other information we hold about you, to assist with the purposes outlined above. This could include, for example, analysing vehicle diagnostic information, conducting recalls, evaluating the effectiveness of our marketing and customer service, conducting market analysis and identifying products or services which may be of interest to you, and contacting you to tell you about those products and services.
In some limited circumstances, the automated decisions we take may have a legal or similar effect on you. We will only make these kinds of automated decisions about you where:
You can contact us to request further information about automated decision-making, and in some circumstances object to our use of automated decision-making, or request that an automated decision is reviewed by a human.
No one can guarantee data transmission over the Internet to be secure, but we, our service providers and partners take data and cyber security very seriously.
We use a variety of technical, administrative, and physical security measures to help protect and maintain the security, integrity and availability of Connected Vehicle Information.
Ford has a connected vehicle cyber security team, and puts in place various technical and organizational security measures to protect Connected Vehicle Information, including access controls to limit unnecessary or unauthorized access to Connected Vehicle Information, as well as cyber security measures such as hashing and encrypting data.
We actively participate in several joint industry forums focused on how to approach these complicated technical issues. In addition to mobile vehicle security professionals, we also work with organizations within the larger community of cybersecurity professionals, including the BITS Information Systems Audit and Control and Manufacturing work group, and apply these broader best practices to the vehicle, where applicable.
Ford is also proud to be a founding participant in an industry-wide effort to address emerging issues through the Automotive Information Sharing Analysis Center (the Auto-ISAC). The Auto ISAC serves as a central point for automakers, suppliers and other stakeholders to share cyber intelligence, coordinate, and respond to vehicle electronic cyber threats.
We may share Connected Vehicle Information with:
When we share your personal information, we will make sure that is used for purposes which are compatible with those described here.
Your personal information may be transferred within the European Economic Area ("EEA"), as well as to countries outside the EEA (including to Ford Motor Company in the USA).
The countries to which we transfer your personal information may not be regarded by the European Commission as ensuring an adequate level of protection for personal information. We will ensure that where we transfer your personal information outside the EEA, we do so in accordance with applicable data protection laws. For example, where required we will put in place appropriate safeguards in accordance with our legal obligations to ensure that your personal information is adequately protected, irrespective of the country to which it is transferred. These safeguards may include obtaining contractual assurances from any third party given access to your personal information that your personal information will be protected by standards which are equivalent to those that protect your personal information when it is in the EEA. If you would like to know more about how Ford protects your personal information when it is transferred outside the EEA, or to obtain a copy of the safeguards we put in place to protect your personal information when it is transferred, please contact Ford Motor Company using the details below.
We only keep your personal information in identifiable form for as long as is necessary for the purposes set out above. This generally means holding the information for as long as one of the following apply:
Where information is used for more than one purpose, we will retain it until the purpose with the latest period expires.
Once Connected Vehicle Information is no longer needed, it is either irreversibly anonymised or destroyed.
For more information about our retention policies, please contact us using the contact details below.
You have the right as an individual to find out what information we hold about you and for what purposes, as well as to make corrections if necessary. You also have the right in some circumstances to object to our continuing to process your personal information, or to ask us to delete, restrict the use of your information. In some circumstances you can also request that your personal information is provided to you in a commonly used electronic format so that you can share it with other organisations (this is often referred to as the right to 'data portability').
We encourage you to contact us to update or correct your personal information if it changes or if the personal information we hold about you is inaccurate.
If you are unhappy about how we use your information, we hope that in the first instance you will let us know so that we are able to address your concerns. However, you are also entitled to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.
If you have questions or concerns regarding our use of your information, or would like to exercise any of your rights, please contact Ford Motor Company Limited in the first instance. You may contact Ford Motor Company Limited at:
Ford Customer Relationship Centre
Royal Oak Way South
Daventry
Northamptonshire
NN11 8NT
Telephone: 0203 564 4444
You can also contact the European Data Protection Officer directly here:
You may also contact Ford Motor Company at +001- 800-392-3673, 800-232-5952 (TDD for the hearing impaired), or
Customer Relationship Center
P.O. Box 6248
Dearborn, MI 48126 USA
We may modify or update this information from time to time. Where changes will have a fundamental impact on the nature of the processing or otherwise have a substantial impact on you, we will give you sufficient advance notice so that you have the opportunity to exercise your rights in relation to your personal information (for example, to object to the processing).
