New Ford demonstrator uses Microbus vehicle technology

Ford Motor Company, in conjunction with Ford Special Vehicle Preparations (SVP), has developed a brand new demonstrator featuring the latest Microbus technology to provide a Police-specification mobile data and traffic enforcement ready vehicle.

Ford’s Mondeo Estate car has, at its heart, a Microbus M-PC2 vehicle computer with a high-brightness touchscreen that is installed neatly into the dashboard, allowing officers easy access to a suite of applications. Amongst them are Microbus’s Digital Video Recording systems that use two Microbus ANPR cameras: a forward-facing Sabre 10 Zoom camera mounted inside the cabin, and a rear-facing Rapier 25 Varifocal IR illuminated camera integrated into the roof-mounted light bar. The computer also drives a Genysis Carnation light bar and siren interface, TRACKER stolen vehicle recovery application, and has access to PNC and other databases.

The car will be available for demonstration throughout 2010 and will be appearing at various trade events including HOSDB, which will be held at Farnborough from 16-18 March.

Andy Bryant, Operations Manager at Ford SVP commented, “Ford’s newly-equipped Mondeo demonstrator is an ideal high performance model for the Police and showcases the best-of-breed mobile data technology and ANPR cameras from Microbus. Using the professional installation capabilities of Ford SVP, we have created a safe, ergonomically efficient and friendly in-vehicle environment.

The proven functionality of the Microbus computer provides the ideal platform to drive the vehicle systems, and our installation provides an almost factory-fit appearance, that adheres to internal protrusion legislation.”

The vehicle installation specialist centre, which provides a one-stop-shop for the blue light emergency services, equips some 3,000 vehicles per year at its facilities in Colchester, Essex. It provides the electrical wiring looms and equipment installation for a variety of Ford vehicles including police traffic cars, mobile police stations, paramedic vehicles, and dog units.