True to its name, Ford Maverick It’s a unique vehicle in many ways – unibody pickup, front-wheel drive – but there’s one main, even taller conceptual way in which it’s unlike other cars. Ford wanted owners to customize them, and went as far as to release specs that encouraged them to 3D print their own accessories.
The guide Ford has released helps enterprising inventors create accessories for Maverick’s FITS (Ford Integrated Tethering System). The FITS utilizes a series of slots found on the rear of the Maverick’s center console and in its under-seat storage bins. You can slide anything into these slots, assuming they have the right connector.
Of course, Ford already sells a number of FITS-accepted items, including cable organizers, grocery bag hooks, removable cup holders, dividers, and more.
However, Ford believes that there are still many possibilities that it has not considered. That’s why it provides CAD files to help 3D printers design items. They also include an instructor contains exact dimensions for the areas around the FITS slots so manufacturers can be sure their work fits.
In the past, automakers would have been happy to keep this information exclusive to make as much money off of the accessory as possible. By allowing users to make (and sell) their own accessories, Ford can leave some money behind, but in return they are nurturing a community of creators who will be loyal to the brand.
We’re likely to see FITS appear on other Ford products as well, and the more people think about products that can benefit owners, the better. Aftermarket companies have been making accessories for decades, but why should they have fun? You can download CAD files for center console and storage bins at the Ford website.
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