While we've been enjoying the Spring, Ford and a team of engineering and design students from the University of Michigan were putting the finishing touches on an exciting automotive and digital journey across the U.S.
Called "American Journey 2.0," these two groups put together a cross-country tour of two digitally tricked-out 2011 Ford Fiestas to demonstrate just how cool auto entertainment is going to be in the coming years.
These special Fiestas are equipped with a next generation version of SYNC, complete with a Dell PC, Sprint wireless internet, and Windows 7. They also feature apps that were part of a student competition. The winner is called "Caravan" that allows multiple vehicles to digitally travel together and communicate with one another, complete with food, fuel, and event planning.
Of course, this is another great step for Ford and its auto entertainment, as well as an example of how to integrate America's youth into their brand development. Legacy brands have to create a desirable, exciting environment for students, and a big part of this "American Journey 2.0" initiative is Ford's youth movement. The Fiesta is a small, affordable vehicle aimed at exactly the demographic that is part of this "American Journey 2.0" project.
The other takeaway is that driving is getting fun again – just like it was back in the '50s and '60s. This time around, cars are about more than just transportation. They're opening up a whole new world of digital innovation and entertainment.
Investment. In youth and technology.
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
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