My name is Song and I'm based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
I'm a manufacturing engineering student - I design and manufacture products optimized for usability, functionality, and manufacturability.
The greatest reward for me personally, as an engineering student, is watching the public benefit from a product or process that I've worked hard to bring into reality.
![Fit and Finish TRES Inside Focus Center Console]()
Project Definition
Ford engineers have really outdone themselves this time. The 2012 (and above) Ford Focus is in my opinion, a fantastic car. I thoroughly did my research and decided upon this vehicle based on it's combination of style, ergonomics, technology and fuel efficiency.
However, after driving this car every day for the past 8 months, I noticed that there was a little something missing - a distinct lack of segmented storage for the essentials I carry and need ready access to on my daily drive - my phone, wallet, keys and some spare change.
I've been putting these items in the cupholders which barely does the job. Of course, there's always a conflict when I have passengers with me and we all have a drink that needs to be stored. I also tried putting these things in the massive compartment in the armrest center console, but it was a futile exercise trying to dig it out at the end of the drive.
![TRES - shown installed TRES - shown installed]()
So I set out to work with product engineers at a trusted local Toronto injection molding company to design a solution to our woes and the end result is the TRES. The TRES is engineered to streamline your Focus experience each and every time you get behind the wheel. I am showcasing this product through Indiegogo in hopes of sending the TRES to Ford Focus owners across the globe.
Back Story and Why I'm Doing This Project
When I went to the dealer one day, I inquired about ordering the 2013 OEM Tray [Part Number BM5Z-58045G34-AC] which I believe comes standard in 2013 models.
It took them a few days to find the part and I received this email:
"I finally got somewhere with this part, it took some digging but I came up with a [part] number [for the 2013 tray] that I am pretty sure it is [what you are looking for]. I have been in contact with Ford to help me with this. It has to be ordered from the USA so it will be approximately 3-5 days it is $64.43 [Canadian Dollars.]"
When I received this message, I was stunned. I was willing to pay up to $30 for this tray but $64.43 was simply too much (that's the price for something like the OEM Engine Cover!). I realised that this might be the case for other Canadians as well (I think prices in the US are more reasonable). I did not want to sit back and just accept this.
There is clearly a lack of availability of this OEM part for the Canadian market and that's why the price is so high. So I decided to try to introduce an improved product into the market and increase competition and in turn lower prices for the OEM tray (if you wish to buy that) as well as having the option of choosing an alternative designed by a fellow Focus owner.
Where We Are In The Big Picture
![TRES Ready For Kick Off TRES With Some Common Items]()
Right now, Production is ready to kick off.
The first step is to kick off the tooling of the mould. In order to do so, the supplier requires a deposit to be made to cover the tooling costs (about $10,000). With the correct amount of backers, I will have enough capital to be able to make this deposit and thus begin the manufacturing process of the mould, as well as cover the costs of manufacturing the initial TRES order, and the shipping and packaging costs to get it to your door.
How The TRES Will Help You
![Calipers! Measuring Common Items Stored in the TRES]()
The TRES is the OEM organizer tray that should have been. Designed for the modern busy individual in mind, it keeps you organized and focused on the road and on your destination. No more wondering where you put your cell phone - was it in the center console or in the map pocket? No more digging for that extra quarter at the drive through so you can pay for your coffee and get to work on time. The TRES keeps everything essential to YOU organized and in one central location. Best of all, it's neat and out of sight but still readily accessible. And I've painstakingly measured the centre console to ensure a fantastic fit that you would expect from an OEM product.
The TRES will be proudly MADE IN CANADA and made in compliance with top-notch Canadian industry standards. The final product is subject to change slightly (main advertised features will not be compromised) and be available in Black plus a special Indiegogo EXCLUSIVE Arctic White color.
How You Can Help The TRES Succeed
If you have a Ford Focus, that is fantastic! Make sure that your Focus is compatible with the TRES (2012 and up models are compatible but some SE trim models are not compatible (North American Market)) and if so, back any one of the amazing perks on offer!
If you don't have a Focus(or have an incompatible Focus) that's OK too! Use social media and all the other tools of the web to spread the word about this project. The sooner we can reach the minimum funding goal, the sooner I can ask the injection molding company to commission the mould and thus get the TRES to your door that much faster.
I don't intend to stop at one TRES for one car model. If there is a need, we can definitely explore more organizing options for other vehicles as well!
![Everything Is Set Finalizing Engineering Drawings for Production]()
Technical Information and FAQ
Disclaimer: Dimensions are not finalized and subject to change without notice.
Dimensions of compartments.
Main Compartment:
Height: 5.18"
Width: 3.90" (Minimum), 4.76" (Maximum)
Depth: 1.60"
Change Holder:
Diameter: 1.16" (Fits USD Quarter, CAD Toonie for example)
Width: 1.15" (smaller compartment), 1.85"
Convenience Slot:
Height: 0.69"
Width: 3.08"
Max Depth: 1.00"
![USB Clearance USB Clearance]()
USB Clearance: 2.615" (USB Pictured Above fits with tray installed)
RCA Jack Clearance: 1.515"
What was the TRES in the video?: 3D Printed Prototype designed to demonstrate fit and function
Please elaborate on logistics for "Local Shout-Out Package"?: I will make an announcement once the TRES shipment is ready for pick up and message all backers of this perk with details on pick up location and time. I am flexible with timing and you will have a guaranteed period of 8 months after this announcement to pick up your TRES. It'll be nice to meet local Ford Focus owners as well!
Please elaborate on "engineering drawings" in "Engineer's Package" and up (except "DEALERSHIP Upgrade Pack" and "SPONSOR PACKAGE")?: Will include engineering drawing print of an early prototype of the tray. I cannot provide the drawing of the final design as intellectual property would be infringed upon. You would theoretically be able to commission your own mould of the prototype with the drawings.
Please elaborate on "guided tour" in "Engineering Director's Package" and "CEO's Package"?: Supplier has offered a tour for a large group so we'll have to coordinate a day when everyone is free. I plan to have the tour when they are running the TRES. A basic background check has to be passed. Things of interest would be your current workplace, etc.
!["CEO's Package" Perk "CEO's Package" Perk]()
CEO's Package Perk (Pictured Above)
Please elaborate on "CEO's Package"?: This is a unique opportunity to include your own design on the back face of the tray (see above for example). Your design will be incorporated into the mould which means that every TRES will display it proud. Ideas include relevant corporate logos or maybe you just wanna show off your design work? Design is to be tasteful (i.e. it will not offend any group or person) and subject to manufacturability (i.e. we probably cannot etch an impression of your face on there). There is space for 3 (three) 1.5" x 3.5" designs.
I'm a reporter and would like to arrange for an interview?: Please contact me via Indiegogo.
Final Product Material: Rubberized Plastic
Finish Color: Black or Arctic White
Country of Manufacture: CANADA
Customization: (planned to have guide cut lines on reverse of TRES)
![Standard Standard]()
Standard Flush Fit (Pictured Above)
![USB Cable Access USB Cable Access]()
USB Cable Access (Pictured Above)
![Full USB Access Full USB Access]()
Full USB Access (Pictured Above)
Model Compatibility (North American Models Referenced):
-2012 Ford Focus SEL
-2012-2013 Ford Focus Titanium
-2013 Ford Focus SE (only some models)
-2013 Ford Focus ST (only some models)
Estimated Initial Shipment: Late July 2013
Warranty: No warranty implied, but I will replace DOA's
Risks and Challenges
I have had numerous positive experiences working with this injection molding company in the past to comission moulds for my company's various projects. The supplier has always done a fantastic job and stuck tightly to the specified timetable as well as they could.
Manufacturing is an industry where an unknown variable could always present itself and cause unwanted delays to the agenda. If everything goes according to plan, I am confident that I can begin mailing out the finished TRES to you in July of 2013. Of course, I will keep you constantly updated as we clear the different stages of bringing the TRES to market (finalizing the design, tooling and commissioning the mould, completing the mould, running first-offs and checking quality, fit and function, and finally packaging and shipping).
I see this as a great opportunity to share a great idea with other Ford Focus owners and a great learning opportunity for me to continually improve and evolve as an engineer. Do not hesitate to give me a shout if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions! I am fully up to this challenge and ready to face the ups and downs of this project.
Thank you so much for your support!
-Song
Renders:
Black TRES
![Black TRES Black TRES]()
Arctic White TRES
![Arctic White TRES Arctic White TRES]()