Toronto: Ford has handed more ammunition to those who jest that Americans and
Canadians virtually live in their cars by producing a one-off Windstar minivan
equipped with a microwave oven, washer/dryer and vacuum cleaner.
In response to the obvious question (“why?”) the company asks three
of its own: Is your work schedule so tight that your vehicle is often your office?
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A microwave oven is part of the
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Making its first appearance in Canada, the Windstar Solutions minivan is equipped,
as Ford puts it, “with time-saving appliances for on-the-go consumers as
well as technology that links drivers to their home”. It’s on display at
the One of a Kind Show and Sale at the National Trade Centre, Exhibition Place,
Toronto, from now until December 3, 2000.
Ford and home appliance maker Maytag teamed up to create this one-of-a-kind
‘idea’ vehicle fitted with a refrigerator, microwave, washer/dryer and other
home appliances because their research shows that, as people’s lives grow more
hectic, they spend more time in their vehicles.
"After talking to consumers and listening to how their lives have changed
due to longer commutes, more double-career families, and 24-7 work expectations,
we developed the Windstar Solutions concept vehicle. It’s a great way to get
consumers’ reactions to new ideas because they can actually see, touch and experience
the innovations," said Dean Stoneley, Windstar brand manager at Ford Canada.
The idea behind the wacky Windstar is to extend the convenience of home to
the vehicle. The appearance and placement of appliances and entertainment options
furnish consumers with the best in flexible and smart transportation, Ford claims.
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By GlobalDataThe list includes a microwave in the rear cargo area where it should come in
handy when the need for coffee, a baby bottle, hot chocolate, soup or popcorn
arises.
As spills on clothing are common, especially with children in the vehicle,
a miniature washer/dryer is built into the rear cargo area. It can wash and
dry a shirt or party dress in 15 minutes.
Maytag’s ‘ClimateZone’ food drawer is also installed in the cargo compartment
enabling passengers to set the proper temperature for certain foods – like meat,
fruit and vegetables. There is also a refrigerated compartment in the rear passenger
area.
These built-in units provide storage for perishable items purchased at the
supermarket, allowing owners to continue on with their errands without first
going home with the groceries.
And there’s more yet. A cooler located behind the driver and front-passenger
seats stores items such as bottled water, pop and juice boxes and can be removed
for use at picnics or sports.
Hot/cold cup holders located between the passenger and driver keep, for example,
milk cold and coffee hot.
All this is going to produce some trash, of course. They’ve thought of that.
So there’s a trash compactor between the front seats and a bin in the cargo
area. Both have washable liners which can be removed for easy cleaning.
Come clean-up time (will Moms and kids revolt at yet another ‘room’ to housekeep?)
there’s a wet/dry utility vacuum. This Hoover appliance is placed in the side
panel adjacent to the second row passenger seating to quickly zap spilled stuff
like cracker crumbs, beach sand and orange juice.
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A washer/dryer function
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Of course, tray tables fold down from the seat backs of the front captain’s
chairs, providing children and adults somewhere to eat, complete a puzzle, read
or do homework.
Home Connection, a conceptual idea, further builds on Ford’s Telematics system.
This could enable future drivers to remain connected to their homes by preheating
the oven, checking food stocks and monitoring security and fire systems while
driving, by using voice activated technology.
Passengers can be entertained with movies or by playing CD-ROM interactive
electronic games. Game controllers and CD storage are also built in.
The show special Windstar Solutions seats six, which Ford says is a must for
families carting kids and stuff or for the ’empty nest’ couple heading out with
friends.
A power adjustable foot pedal system allows the accelerator and brake pedals
to adjust up to three inches horizontally, giving more comfort to drivers of
varying heights and sizes.
