The Best of Innovations 2010 Design and Engineering Awards to be presented at the CES in January has recognised Magneti Marelli's solution developed for Ford to allow on-board broadband connectivity, computer technology and services.

The Best of Innovations 2010 Design and Engineering Awards, the prestigious technological innovation awards in the consumer electronics sector, to be presented in January during the International CES (Consumer Electronic Show) in Las Vegas, one of the largest consumer electronics tradeshows in the world, have been officially announced.

The telematic device developed by Magneti Marelli for Ford Motor Company’s “Ford Work Solutions” platform was recognised with the award in the "in-vehicle accessories" category. The solution is aimed at Ford commercial vehicles and light pickup trucks on the North American market (Ford F-Series pick-up trucks, E-Series vans and Transit Connect), and allows small business owners and different types of professionals to use broadband connectivity, computer technology and services in order to work aboard the vehicle.

The CES Best of Innovation Awards are assigned to the best consumer electronics products in terms of innovative content, across 36 categories, by a panel of independent industrial designers, engineers and media.

The awards will be presented in Las Vegas on January 5th, 2010, during a press event at the CES exhibition. The CES has been convening in the U.S. since 1967, and every year it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors and more than 2000 exhibitors, including leading global players in the field of consumer electronics that take advantage of this great opportunity to preview their main technological and product innovations.

The awarded device, developed by Magneti Marelli and powered by Microsoft Auto, is an in-dash computer in the Ford Work Solutions platform that provides high-speed Internet access via the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network thanks to a built-in modem, a 6.5” colour touch-screen display, Garmin navigation, Bluetooth-enabled “hands-free” calling and a wireless connection that allows the use of external devices such as printers. Now drivers can print invoices and documents or even access files and check inventories stored on their home or office computer networks: the office is now onboard the vehicle. Mobile office functions are disabled when the vehicle is in motion.

Thanks to these features, the “FordWork Solutions” suite was the recipient of another prestigious American award, being recognised as “Truck of Texas - Outstanding Feature”. Truck of Texas is an important award in the U.S. since Texas represents the largest market for commercial vehicles in America.