(March 29, 2016) DEARBORN, Mich. — With Americans spending more than 900 hours a year mobile — and 25 hours or more per week listening to music — Ford and music streaming leader Spotify are teaming up to create a new entertainment experience for FordPass members.

As part of its transformation into an auto and mobility company, Ford is introducing FordPass — a platform that reimagines the relationship between automaker and consumer.  The mobility experience platform aims to do for car owners what iTunes did for music fans.

“The FordPass platform is about understanding people’s needs and developing great experiences and ways to help them move better,” said Elena Ford, Ford vice president, global dealer and consumer experience. “The combination of FordPass and Spotify will create a great music experience both inside and outside of the vehicle.”

FordPass reimagines the relationship between automaker and consumer by offering benefits that will include a marketplace of mobility services and rewards for membership loyalty. Spotify is the newest FordPass Appreciation partner, joining McDonald’s, 7-Eleven and BP as retailers that will provide members with merchandise and unique experiences.

One focus of FordPass is to tap into the more than 900 hours annually that people spend on the move and provide for them the entertainment options they desire. In addition to music offerings from Spotify, FordPass also plans to partner with providers of news, sports, children’s programming, audiobooks and more.

“Our goal is to light up the FordPass experience with music,” said Jorge Espinel, Spotify vice president for business development. “We want to be everywhere fans listen to music, and this partnership deepens our relationship with Ford and FordPass members.”

The FordPass-Spotify partnership marks the latest link between the two companies. Spotify already is one of many apps that interacts with Ford SYNC AppLink. AppLink enables drivers to connect their vehicle and smartphone, and projects apps to the center console-mounted touch screen. Commands can be given via voice or touch.

FordPass is part of Ford Smart Mobility, the plan to take the company to the next level in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience, and data and analytics.

A FordPass membership is complimentary for Ford vehicle owners and non-owners alike. The platform officially launches in April in the United States and Canada. Members of FordPass will benefit from four elements: Appreciation, which includes offerings from Spotify, as well as Marketplace, FordGuides and FordHubs.