Ford & ADT Partner To Develop In-Vehicle Security Systems

Ford recently announced its partnership with ADT toward launching a US$105-million joint venture, Canopy, to create and sell in-vehicle security systems for commercial and retail buyers.
The first standalone systems, expected to be unveiled in about 12 months, will use video cameras to monitor vehicles and any equipment stored within them. Customers will be able to live-stream video through an official mobile app.

Built for self installation purposes across a variety of vehicle makes and models, including the Ford F-150, Ford F-150 Lightning, Ford Transit, and E-Transit, the new security systems will become available to customers from Ford dealers and other retail and online outlets. Additionally, ADT will offer monitoring services for a yet-undisclosed monthly subscription fee.

After enough development time, Canopy is set to develop original-equipment systems that will be installed at the factory, according to Christian Moran, the interim chief executive of the Ford and Canopy joint venture based in Detroit and London.

Canopy’s security system is designed to incorporate acoustic sensors, onboard cameras, radar, LTE, and GPS, in addition to a camera designed for easy mounting either in a van’s cargo area or a pickup truck’s bed. AI technology will identify potential threats and report them, including breaking glass, metal cutting, or suspicious motion or sound. Customers will be able to view the camera remotely via their smartphone, as well as warn potential thieves using a two-way feature. In addition to smartphone alerts, ADT will also be notified of these sorts of nefarious activities, at which time agents can contact customers, fleet managers, or police to take additional measures.

Ford’s investment in Canopy is about US$63 million, or 60 per cent; and ADT’s is about US$42 million or 40 per cent.

The FBI estimates that stolen work equipment cost more than $7.4 billion in 2020 in the U.S., and theft of valuable work equipment is believed to be underestimated in stolen vehicle reports. Small business owners face even greater opportunity costs with the deferral or loss of jobs while replacing stolen items.

Canopy also plans to begin integrating camera security solutions in Ford vehicles next year for seamless protection inside and outside vehicles. Canopy will seek factory-vehicle integrations with other automakers over time.

For up-to-date information about Ford’s vehicle innovations toward improved security, performance, and comfort wherever adventure calls, stay tuned into our blog and our always updated inventory at Haldeman Ford in Kutztown, PA!