Developers, start your engines — Ford Motor Company is calling for mobile and Web applications that help drivers easily access personal fuel-economy performance data.
At this week's 2013 New York Auto Show, the company announced the Personalized Fuel Efficiency Apps Challenge, aimed at encouraging the creation of a better consumer miles per gallon (MPG) calculator.
The incentive: A $50,000 prize for the developer who builds the best app - plus the satisfaction of knowing you helped to improve the environment.
"Ford Motor Company is challenging software developers to create the best mobile or Web-based apps that will help customers easily access their personal fuel-economy performance data," Ford said. "With this data, using on-road personalized experiences, customers can share, compare and learn how to optimize their fuel usage."
Jim Farley, Ford's CMO, said during a Wednesday presentation that "cars aren't pieces of hardware anymore, it is about the people. It is time for the car to be a social device."
"We need to move to an open architecture for cars. Otherwise, there won't be enough apps. The shelves will be empty," he said.
Ford already carries an in-car presence with its Sync platform, Bluetooth connectivity, hands-free voice control, and vehicle-compatible apps. But the experience is not yet cohesive, and the Personalized Fuel Efficiency Apps Challenge is meant to bridge that gap.
The contest opens for submissions on April 24 at 10 a.m. Eastern and closes July 24 at 5 p.m. It will then be opened up to public voting between Aug. 8-22 before a winner is announced on Aug. 28.
Developers have two options: buy a hardware kit from Ford or use the company's emulator data, already available for free on the carmaker's website. All apps must be built using Ford's Open XC architecture. According to the company's guidelines, submitted mobile and Web apps must illustrate how driving style, weather, location, and other factors can affect fuel economy.
The company announced a similar program at this year's Consumer Electronics Show, asking software developers to create apps for its in-vehicle computer systems as part of the Ford Developer Program.
For more, see PCMag's review of Ford Sync with MyFord Touch.
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