Patent Suggests Friends Of Ford Owners Could Buy OTA Upgrades For Their Cars

Patent Suggests Friends Of Ford Owners Could Buy OTA Upgrades For Their Cars

Posted on November 7, 2024

Ford Motor Company has filed an innovative patent that could allow friends and family of Ford owners to purchase over-the-air (OTA) upgrades as gifts. As Ford Authority reported, this patent, filed on April 2, 2024, and published on October 17, 2024, under serial number 0346858, introduces a new way for Ford owners to receive performance or tech upgrades from loved ones. This forward-thinking idea underscores Ford’s commitment to connected vehicle technology, which has become a core component of the Blue Oval's offerings over the past few years.

Over the last few years, Ford has leaned heavily into OTA updates, delivering enhancements like BlueCruise, a hands-free highway driving feature, and performance boosts for models like the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT. If this patent comes to life, it would mean that Ford owners could receive these types of upgrades as gifts, adding a new layer of customization and convenience. From special features to performance enhancements, these upgrades would be applied directly through an OTA update, making them accessible instantly.

The process Ford envisions is straightforward. Shoppers would visit an online portal, enter a specific vehicle's information, and browse a list of available upgrades for that model. Once they find the perfect gift, they’d complete the purchase, and the feature would automatically download to the vehicle via an OTA update. The recipient would even receive a personal message on the infotainment screen, giving the experience a more personal touch.

This patent marks an exciting potential for both Ford owners and their loved ones, as well as for Ford itself, which could see this as an additional revenue stream. By embracing OTA technology and integrating a gifting option, Ford is not only enhancing the customer experience but also positioning itself as a forward-thinking leader in the automotive industry. As Ford continues to file new patents in connected vehicle tech, this one stands out as a practical and profitable possibility for the near future.