Ford Enhances Sync with Release 3.0

Ford is expanding its connectivity leadership by introducing exclusive new SYNC real-time information features that deliver personalized news updates to drivers mobile phones while helping them navigate around trouble spots, saving time and fuel.

Our vision with SYNC is to be a leader in connectivity, making it affordable for millions just as Ford has done with safety and fuel-saving technologies, said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. In less than 18 months since we launched SYNC, Ford has delivered two more major new features, and we have more in store.

We are a car company that through market-driven, customer-focused innovation is learning to think and act like an electronics company, leveraging partnerships with fresh, innovative technology leaders, added Mulally, who delivers the Consumer Electronics Show keynote address on Thursday.

Since the introduction of SYNC in the 2008 Ford Focus, Ford quickly has integrated the technology. By summer 2009, Fords entire North American lineup will offer this must-have technology, demonstrating its rapid, consumer-driven adoption. Ford expects to have 1 million SYNC-equipped vehicles on the road by the third quarter of 2009.

We define connectivity as a way to keep people moving through their lives not simply as an on-board computer, said Mark Fields, Fords president of The Americas. Our approach focuses on connecting people to the information they need, whenever and wherever they need it. These new features are aimed at enhancing the drivers entire quality of life.

Fords next-generation system SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information leverages industry-leading voice-recognition software, integrated GPS technology and a customers Bluetooth-capable mobile phone. Debuting this spring, it will provide simple hands-free access to personalized traffic reports, precise turn-by-turn driving directions and up-to-date information including business listings, news, sports and weather.

The new services will be available on nearly all 2010 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models with no initial monthly subscription fees, thanks to three years of service included with a new vehicle purchase.

Ford is unique because we continue to build on the power of the SYNC system that lets customers connect to off-board services through their own mobile devices, said Doug VanDagens, director of Fords Connected Services Organization. With that foundation, there is no limit to the data we can offer. Working with our partners the best of the best in the technology world we will continue to provide new services in a timeframe on par with the consumer electronics industry.

According to 2008 year-end data, Smartphones were a clear consumer must-have, offering such advanced capabilities as a keyboard, Web browser and some PC-like functionality. Research findings suggest that growth in this industry is expected to continue at 40-percent year-over-year.

SYNCs new suite of services allows customers the ability to integrate with off-board services and provide a personalized infotainment experience to the driver by utilizing the customers own phone. That powerful match is what differentiates SYNC in the marketplace and what will expand Fords connectivity leadership long-term.

Today, Ford leads the industry leader in infotainment, said Derrick Kuzak, Fords group vice president of Global Product Development. As we transform our vehicle lineup, we intend to continue making smart technology a key differentiator for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products.

Ford is partnering with Microsoft and other recognized companies INRIX, TeleNav, Tellme (a Microsoft subsidiary), M/A-COM and Airbiquity -- to enable the new services to connect to real-time data.

Were excited to see Ford's great innovations developed on top of our Microsoft Auto platform that continue to improve how people spend time in their car, says Robbie Bach, president of Microsofts Entertainment and Devices Division.

The combination of software and services, including the industry leading technology from Microsoft Auto and Tellme, are delivering entirely new voice-enabled experiences that make the time spent in the car more entertaining and more productive, Bach added.