Dealer data for Ford Cargo
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FORD'S Selectron hand-held micro-computer which holds data on vehicle specifications and is designed for dealer salesmen is on display on the Ford stand at the Motor Show.
Ford does not intend to make the Selectron available to fleet operators but dealers may purchase the "black box" for about £250 and will then be supplied with plug-in updated data packs as required, on an exchange basis.
Only the Cargo range so far has had its data programmed into Selectron packs. Each European country has its own pack, identified by initials and date, to cater for individual specifications and language requirements. When a dealer salesman keys into a Selectron his customers requirements in the area of maximum geared speed, maximum gradeability and payload the Selectron will respond by displaying the optimum Cargo specification on its dot matrix display which is capable of handling 16 letters or numbers. The micro computer uses two processors and with the data pack has a capacity of 64 kilo: bytes of programme and data. The keyboard is touch sensitive.
Pre-programmed into the data pack are gross vehicle and train weights, power and torque characteristics, transmission and rear axle ratios, tyre size, drag coefficients for low and high bodies and rolling resistance.
In addition to displaying Cargo model, engine, transmission axle ratio and tyre size, the Selectron will also indicate the necessary body length and its position to achieve correct distribution, and the axle loads imposed by various loading and unloading patterns. quietening features, maintenance and servicing costs increased by 1.5 per cent.
This represents approximately 0.2 per cent increase in the total operating costs.
The table of comparable operating costs also shows a marked increase in depreciation with a difference of nearly six per cent, while standing charges covering licences, rent and insurance and similar outgoings were unchanged.
Its noise-quietening components remained in good condition over the trial period. However, the exhaust silencers performance deteriorated because of partial blockage by exhaust particles which raised the vehicle noise level to 84c1B (A).
Among the benfits from this project are low cab noise and reduced noise levels when operating slowly within congested areas.