Ford to Make SmartLink Connectivity Available to Existing Vehicle Owners This Summer

Ford’s SmartLink, available from Ford and Lincoln dealerships this summer, will bring connectivity features to existing vehicle owners, the automaker announced Friday. Ford and Lincoln customers with model 2010-2016 vehicles will be able to tap into connectivity features previously available only on new modem-equipped vehicles through a device that plugs into the OBD II port below the steering wheel, it said. Features available through SmartLink include remote start, lock and unlock; 4G Wi-Fi hot spot access for up to eight devices; vehicle health and security alerts and vehicle location assistance. Pricing wasn't disclosed but several are expected to be offered, a Ford spokeswoman emailed us. SmartLink engineers worked with Delphi Automotive and Verizon Telematics to ensure the technology will work “seamlessly” with Ford and Lincoln vehicles, Ford said.