The North American International Auto Show kicks off today in Detroit. All the big auto makers are present, including Ford. The automaker introduced a new app call FordPass. FordPass members (you don’t have to own a Ford) will be able to book parking spots in cities and airports, schedule Ford vehicle maintenance, speak directly with guides, and find out more about Ford products and services. The system can book a parking space directly with ParkWhiz and Parkopedia and access airport parking through FlightCar.

FordPass has four main focuses:

1. a marketplace for mobility services;
2. “FordGuides,” who can answer questions via texts or calls at all hours;
3. “FordHubs,” which are actual buildings across the globe where customers can experience Ford technology;
4. and a loyalty program in which app users can earn points and rewards

Ford also has partnerships with 7Eleven and McDonalds, which presumably will help jump start their loyalty programs (think free fries). One writer notes, “So revel in the idea of … needing to set reminders to get your car’s oil changed. Not long from now, those things will be Ford’s problem.” FordPass will be available in April and as an owner of a Ford Edge, I will definitely be checking it out! You can watch a demo of FordPass on YouTube.

Source: The Detroit News Mashable, Automotive Expo, The Verge