Ford Motor Company announced the creation of an original equipment manufacturer network dubbed Ford Certified Glass Network (FCGN). The initiative is designed to ensure that glass installation and calibration on Ford and Lincoln vehicles are performed to the highest quality standards. The program requires that all companies installing glass be accredited members of the Auto Glass Safety Council.
According to the company’s On Target magazine, the network will prepare Ford-certified glass installers to meet emerging requirements for proper glass installation. According to Ford, an annual enrollment fee provides installers access to the Ford Workshop Manual, including glass installation and calibration procedures. Enrollment also comes with an assessment by a third-party specialist to ensure proper tools, equipment and training are utilized.
Ford Certified Glass Network requires that all companies installing glass be accredited members of the Auto Glass Safety Council.
Also included are calibration training, access to technical support, storefront signage and a partner vehicle purchase program. The latter allows purchases or leases of eligible Ford or Lincoln vehicles at non-negotiated discounted rates approved by the company. Lastly, FCGN includes a Ford glass installer locator that will direct customers to certified facilities.
“With ADAS technology now integrated directly into windshields, we need to ensure glass technicians are prepared to provide safe and proper installations and calibrations, especially as ADAS—as well as other features, including head-up displays and SoundScreen® acoustic glass—become more prominent,” says Ford Collision Network manager Dean Bruce. “Ford is dedicated to helping assure our customers have access to a network of glass installers who demonstrate a commitment to providing quality glass installation and calibration on Ford and Lincoln vehicles.”
The magazine also notes that FCGN and the Ford Certified Collision Network are two separate entities. Dealers and shops may enroll in both, or one or the other.
“The program includes a consultation at the repair facility, in which technicians are reviewed on the completion of essential tasks, such as scanning and calibration,” Ford continues. “A closing meeting will include a detailed action plan pertaining to the shop’s glass installation strengths and opportunities for improvement, and identification of any actions required to complete certification.”
See the FCGN website for more information.
Regarding FCNN, the network has collaborated with I-CAR to create an optional ADAS learning and certification path for those enrolled in the effort. It includes a two-day ADAS hands-on skills development (HOSD) course at I-CAR’s Chicago Technical Center.
“The new, 16-hour Ford ADAS HOSD course is focused on diagnostics and repairs specific to Ford ADAS,” the company notes. “In a real-world shop environment, technicians will use Ford Service Information and the Ford Diagnostic & Repair System to identify, investigate, diagnose and repair various ADAS components on Ford vehicles.”
Click here for more information on the program and its prerequisites.
I would be out of business if I installed glass the way ford does. So many recalls and they come up with this. I think someone needs to speak up about their own lack of knowledge.
I agree completely. They’ve installed more glass incorrectly than I have in my entire 35 years and now they want my shop to prove it installs glass to their standards. Lol
AGREED. maybe teach Ford how to build a better vehicle with no recalls for once and they wouldn’t need to recoup their losses from having to charge glass companies a ‘fee’ to install ford glass. (smh)