Ford delivers Fusion Hybrid equipped with 1 millionth SYNC unit to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer
Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally personally delivered the Fusion Hybrid equipped with the milestone SYNC unit to Microsoft’s CEO Steve Ballmer. Powered by Microsoft Auto Software, SYNC is Ford’s fully integrated, voice-activated, in-car communications and entertainment system for mobile phones and digital music players.
Currently, more than 80 percent of the vehicles Ford sells in North America are equipped with the system, and SYNC-equipped vehicles sell twice as fast on dealers’ lots as units without.
Since its debut in 2007, SYNC has continued to add new applications to customers at no cost. In 2008, SYNC was upgraded with two new features, Vehicle Health Report and 911 Assist™. And, available for download later this month, Ford’s next-generation SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information provides hands-free access to personalized traffic reports, precise driving directions and real-time information including business listings, news, sports scores and weather.
In addition to the convenient SYNC technologies, Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer can rely on his new 2010 Fusion Hybrid for fuel economy. The most fuel-efficient midsize car in America, the 2010 Fusion Hybrid has a certified 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, topping the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway.
Quotes
“We have made a commitment to deliver the vehicles that people really want and value. The success of SYNC is another proof point that we are doing just that. We will continue to innovate and expand the capability of SYNC by integrating even more new technologies that fit our customers’ lifestyles.” - - Alan Mulally, President and CEO, Ford Motor Company
“Working with Microsoft and other key technology partners, we’ve made Ford a connectivity leader in the auto industry. We do not plan to stand still; we have several additional developments in the pipeline, including launching SYNC in Europe and around the world.”
- Jim Buczkowski, Director of Electrical and Electronic Systems, Ford
Ford Motor Company continues to build on its award-winning Ford SYNC™ in-car connectivity system. In 2008, SYNC expanded to nearly all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars and trucks, and new features were announced including the “911 Assist” feature that will help drivers connect with emergency assistance in the event of an air bag deployment.
The award-winning SYNC in-car communication system is now available to select Navigator customers.
Ford has just released its first dealer-installed SYNC kit that is fully functional, completely seamless and upgradeable to support SYNC features and functions. The installation time is quick, taking under two hours, and at under $550 dollars, the retrofit kit is highly affordable.
Owners of select 2008 Navigator or Navigator L models can get the Ford SYNC retrofit kit installed in vehicles equipped with the Elite Package that includes the voice-activated navigation radio and rear seat DVD. Vehicles must also have been built after December 4, 2007.
There is no need for an add-on HMI or microphone to operate SYNC as the system uses the existing steering wheel button controls and voice-activation functionality connected to the navigation system.
Committed to continually improving in-car connectivity, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicle owners that have either factory- or dealer-installed SYNC will be able to upgrade the system's software and access future features and functions. Two new features that will be introduced later in 2009 include:
911 Assist – This free-of-charge accident assistance feature can place a call to a local 911 operator should the air bag deploy. The driver must have a cell phone that is properly paired, turned on and connected to SYNC.
Vehicle Health Report (VHR) – Customers can stay on top of all vehicle maintenance with a simple voice request at any time. Vehicle owners first set up their personal preferences at the SYNC Web site (www.syncmyride.com).
These types of ongoing innovations have ensured that Ford SYNC is on track to reach 1 million sales in 2009. This summer Ford SYNC will be available to the all-new Ford Flex, F-150 and Lincoln MKS. The 2009 model year Lincoln Navigator, which will launch later this year, will come factory-equipped with SYNC as a standard feature.
While on a job site a Peterbuilt Semi became stuck in the mud. The driver asked me if I could pull him out of the mud because he didnt want to have to call a Semi recovery vehicle. I hooked up to the Semi with a doubled \"snatch strap\" and I put the truck in 4 wheel drive and took off. I pulled the Semi out with literally no resistance.. Job well done Ford!!
in feb of 2007 I bought a 1995 Ford Ranger XLT, It had 241 000 Miles on it, I had been a previous Chevy S10
Owner. I want to say this is by far the best truck I have ever had. Right now she has 257000 miles on the original engine. She has never given me a major problem. I still get 26MPG Highway, she has only failed to start once time and that was because I left the lights on and killed the battery. This truck means alot to me because I bought it from the Adoption agency that handled my son\'s adoption. I nicknamed her \" black betty\" after the Bad Company song. I also turned her into a ha
They’ve been around awhile – a snippet of advice here, an old adage there. They’re the guidelines that are supposed to help keep cars running in top condition. Problem is, most of them aren’t based in fact – or they’re just plain outdated.
Ford Police Interceptor Concept: Ford, the market leader in the law enforcement vehicle segment, reveals details on its next-generation, purpose-built Police Interceptor that will exceed the durability, safety, performance and fuel economy of the outgoing Ford Crown Victoria.
@NickMcLaren You'll take delivery sometime between May and Sept--timing depends on when you order at the dealer. ^EA #2010/03/11
Love this! RT @SvenskaSpark I already love everything about my Fiesta, and it's not even here yet! I feel like I'm expecting a car baby. ^EA #2010/03/11
