Ford announces plans to globalize its affordable industry-leading SYNC technologies and services.
In his keynote address , January 8, 2009 at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Ford President and CEO, Alan Mulally announced a new set of SYNC services that can deliver personalized traffic reports, precise turn-by-turn driving directions and up-to-date information including business listings, news, sports and weather – without the need for a built-in navigation system. The new technology does this by leveraging industry-leading voice-recognition software, integrated GPS technology and a customer’s Bluetooth-capable mobile phone.
The new service will be available on all 2010 model-year, SYNC-equipped Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models with no monthly subscription fees for the first three years. In addition, the SYNC system is upgradeable. Customers can add new features and applications by using simple download features at syncmyride.com. Ford also announced a partnership with leading electronics retailer Best Buy, to help build SYNC awareness and provide tech support through its Geek Squad.
What does the future hold? Ford hints at the future of in-car connectivity with totally configurable cockpit concept with intuitive, conversational electronic personal assistant, or “avatar,” named Eva.
Ford will also be making the award-winning SYNC system available globally starting in 2010, first in Europe, and then migrating to Asia Pacific and Australia.
Quotes
“No one in the automotive industry offers this level of connectivity as simply and affordably as Ford. Our SYNC platform links customers from their vehicles to their hand-held devices to the internet -- a level of connectivity that will continue to expand as we integrate new and emerging applications from our industry-leading partners.”
- Alan Mulally, Ford President and CEO, (first keynote address at CES Thursday January 8, 2009)
Read the full transcript here
“Ford is all about making the journey from point A to point B a more enjoyable and richer experience, with intuitive, easy-to-use controls and voice-activated, hands-free operation. We want to create a truly a rich driving environment where there is no compromise in connectivity – where everything you expect will be at your fingertips or voice command, integrated into your drive with minimal distraction.”
- Jim Buczkowski, Ford Director of Electronics Systems Engineering
Tags: Best Buy, Consumer Electronics Show, Ford Motor Company, Ford Technology, in-car connectivity, SYNC
