Ford's $50,000 Challenge to Web Developers: Create the Ultimate Fuel Economy App

The Challenge Unveiled

In an effort to address the widespread confusion over fuel economy estimates, Ford Motor Company announced a competition for web developers at the 2013 New York International Auto Show. The challenge is straightforward: design an app that effectively displays a vehicle's individual fuel economy performance. The winning developer or team will receive a $50,000 prize.

Ford's Vision

Jim Farley, Ford's Executive Vice President for Global Marketing, Sales, and Service, emphasized the importance of this initiative. "We're looking for the best way for an app developer to aggregate, visualize, and define personal fuel economy," Farley stated. The goal is to help drivers save money and fuel, improve their driving habits, and better understand their vehicle's capabilities relative to EPA estimates.

The Broader Context

Fuel economy has been a contentious issue for many automakers. Companies like Hyundai, Kia, Honda, General Motors, and even Ford have faced lawsuits over exaggerated miles-per-gallon (mpg) claims. For instance, Hyundai and Kia admitted to procedural errors that led to overly optimistic mpg claims, resulting in multimillion-dollar settlements to compensate affected owners (source).

In Ford's case, owners of the C-Max and Fusion hybrid vehicles claimed that their fuel economy estimates were overstated by as much as ten mpg. Ford has been working closely with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to determine if industry-wide changes are necessary. The company has expressed its willingness to "further improve the process for generating fuel economy labels," while also noting that hybrid vehicles' fuel economy can vary significantly based on driving habits (source).

The App's Potential Impact

Ford believes that an app designed to track individual fuel economy figures will highlight how driving habits and aggressive driving can negatively impact mpg. This information can then be used to take corrective steps to improve driving efficiency. To aid developers, Ford will provide direct access to onboard data gathered by vehicles, enabling the creation of comprehensive systems that deliver accurate, real-time information to drivers.

Why This Matters

The stakes are high. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, aggressive driving can lower gas mileage by 15-30% at highway speeds and 10-40% in stop-and-go traffic (source). By offering a substantial monetary prize, Ford hopes to incentivize the development of a system that can be quickly implemented into their vehicles, providing owners with the tools they need to drive more efficiently and safely.

Conclusion

Ford's $50,000 challenge to web developers is more than just a contest; it's a strategic move to address a critical issue in the automotive industry. By empowering drivers with real-time fuel economy data, Ford aims to improve driving habits, save money, and reduce the need for further legal action. This initiative not only benefits drivers but also sets a new standard for transparency and accountability in fuel economy claims.

Interesting Stats

• Fuel Economy Variability: According to the EPA, real-world fuel economy can vary by up to 20% from the EPA estimates due to factors like driving habits, weather, and vehicle maintenance (source).
• Consumer Trust: A 2013 survey by Consumer Reports found that 37% of respondents did not trust the fuel economy claims made by automakers (source).

By addressing these issues head-on, Ford is taking a significant step towards rebuilding consumer trust and setting a new benchmark for the industry.