What is it?
Ford galaxy@first
What's special about it?
To the best of our knowledge, it's the first vehicle named in e-mail fashion. We're not sure this is a good thing. The galaxy@first is a concept vehicle based on the redesigned Ford Galaxy minivan, a smaller minivan not sold in America. As the name implies, the galaxy@first's big news is its incorporation of entertainment, navigation and telematics components. Twin 7-inch high-resolution monitors mounted on the backs of the front headrests can be used to watch DVD movies or play console games (from units such as the Sony Playstation or SEGA Dreamcast). The galaxy@first's telematics system was developed by Visteon Automotive Systems, and it allows the driver to have hands-free access to cellular phone and Internet services.
Why should you care?
Ford seems set on pushing the limits of factory-installed communication and entertainment systems. At the 2000 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), Ford's main concept vehicles were the three 24-7 vehicles. These too showcased telematic systems. No other vehicle manufacturer has spent this much effort on advanced communication and entertainment features in potentially mainstream vehicles. If this equipment does in fact prove to be the future, Ford will be ahead of everybody else.
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