Ford makes each car a rolling computer with wireless SYNC
For many years, car leasing shoppers have picked their new vehicles by comparing basic driving data like acceleration, horsepower and fuel economy. However, consumers browsing through the selection on vehicle lease lots in 2012 will also have to study features like connectivity and infotainment.
Ford is helping to lead this charge toward highly computerized cars with its voice-activated, in-car connectivity system, called SYNC. Introduced in 2007, the system is now installed in more than 4 million Ford cars, and is on track to be featured in 9 million more by 2015.
"SYNC has been a transformational technology not only for Ford, but for the industry," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president for global product development. "SYNC has been integral to keeping pace with the consumer, delivering value through a constant flow of new features that keep them connected to their digital lives in a safer, simpler and smarter way while driving."
Beginning this year, drivers of the automaker's Fusion sedan and Flex crossover will receive the system as standard equipment. Powered by Microsoft technology, the connectivity system allows them to receive voice-activated information ranging from traffic, news, sports and weather to horoscopes, stock quotes and movie listings.
Other features include a wireless voice control link to their smartphone apps, an automatic 911 call to emergency operators after an accident and access to live operators for help with business searches and turn-by-turn directions.
In addition to promoting SYNC from an option to a standard feature, Ford is also planning improvements to the system based on customer feedback. An extension of SYNC called MyFord Touch provides touchscreen access to the system's voice-activated features, but owners in focus groups told the company to make the product faster and easier to use with simpler graphics.
Ford engineers will incorporate those demands in a MyFord Touch upgrade that is scheduled to roll out with 2013 model year vehicles, beginning with the Ford Escape, Flex and Taurus.
Best of all, current owners can bypass a trip to the nearest dealer to get the new version. Instead, Ford will mail a free, USB memory stick equipped with the software upgrade to drivers of 2011-12 models of Ford Explorer, Edge, Focus and Lincoln MKX.
"SYNC has allowed us to create the upgradeable car," said Kuzak. "With the SYNC platform inside the car, offering our owners updates will be very similar to what they experience with their smartphones and laptops."
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