Ford puts office on Galaxy wheels

12 October 2001: Ford has a new demonstration model of the Galaxy Ghia, known as the Galaxy ‘Office’, fitted out with an array of business equipment.

Activated by a series of remote controls from the middle row passenger seats, the Galaxy Office features a television, VHS videoplayer and even a DVD player. The fold-down colour screen set in the roof of the car also serves as a monitor for the on-board computer, which offers email and internet facilities, running off Windows 98. The infra red keyboard, placed on the table top of the seat in front, makes for easy drafting of documents, which can be printed out on the printer between the seats. An onboard fax machine and two telephones complete the Office package.

Black leather upholstery throughout reflects the ubiquitous executive office chair, and there are other features such as multiple Post-It dispensers, a serviette dispenser and various courtesy lights. The rear passenger windows are blackened-out to simulate a private office environment. The Galaxy Office, powered by a 2.3 litre petrol engine developing 145PS, also has a 6x CD autochanger with 10 speakers and an advanced navigation system. Dual air conditioning allows the temperature to be controlled front and rear.

"An executive working station of this nature would have been unthinkable ten years ago," says Eddie Murphy, Chairman and Managing Director, Henry Ford & Son Limited. "This demonstration model is clearly of niche appeal, and unlikely to be found in showrooms as a standard offering in the near future. But in terms of its flexibility, space and luxury, the Ford Galaxy is the perfect clotheshorse for this state-of-the-art equipment." ED/BB