Ford's Alan Mulally kicks off 2010 International CES with Opening day keynote address

* Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally will deliver the opening keynote address at the
2010 CES in Las Vegas at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010, in the Hilton Theater

* Mulally expected to unveil Ford's latest innovations and announce new initiatives related to Ford's industry-leading, voice-activated SYNC® communications technology

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 21, 2009 – Ford Motor Company announced today that Alan Mulally, president and chief executive officer, will deliver the opening keynote address at the 2010 International CES® in Las Vegas on Jan. 7 at 8:30 a.m. PST. As part of his remarks, Mulally will reveal Ford's latest innovations and announce new technology developments related to Ford's popular, voice-activated SYNC technology.

"Ford continues to lead by bringing together the automobile and consumer electronics industries," said Mulally, who also headlined at 2009 International CES. "With the introduction of SYNC, we enabled our technology partners to allow consumers to use their mobile devices through the automobile in a safer way. At CES, we will show how Ford vehicles will become docking stations for mobile devices, thanks to our alliances with key technology players, and we will demonstrate how voice activation will be the key technology for future in-car experiences."

Ford has made one of the remaining "un-wired" places – the automobile – a connected destination for mobile devices.
Ford SYNC has enabled an interaction that consumers have come to expect from every other aspect of their lives – their televisions, personal computers and mobile devices – all while helping reduce driver distraction. Ford has applied best practices from the technology and telecommunications industries, moving from hardware- to software-based platforms and bringing to market new innovations and applications for vehicle buyers at unprecedented speeds and rates.

"Alan Mulally has positioned Ford as a leading innovator in the automotive industry, and we are pleased to welcome him back to CES," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Electronics Association, the producer of the International CES. "For the auto industry and all other businesses that use technology, CES is the single must-attend event where business gets done."

CES is the world's largest consumer technology trade show and takes place Jan. 7-10, 2010.

The current BMW system has been upgraded to mimic some SYNC offerings, including full verbal destination, communications, and entertainment commands. Now drivers can enter in one statement for a destination, rather than entering in street name, number, city, and country separately. Additionally, the system recognizes numerous languages so you can request an English cover of a song from a French artist, which comes in handy if you want to blast down the 'Bahn listening to Marie Laforet doing "Paint it Black."

The system should be fully operational by early 2010.

One single voice command ensures precise transmission of your destination or music request – introduction into the market throughout all model series in autumn 2009.

Munich. Starting in September 2009, BMW is presenting a truly innovative, cutting-edge technology for voice control in the automobile allowing even more reliable and convenient operation and control of navigation systems and infotainment functions.

Introducing this new system, BMW is raising the driver/vehicle dialogue to a new level of excellence. For the first time, one single voice command is sufficient to completely transmit the driver's destination into the navigation system. The driver's verbal statement specifying the place, street and number is processed immediately by the system, all data going directly into the navigation unit.

BMW is also the first European car maker to offer voice recognition serving not only to choose the appropriate audio source, but also to find individual music titles. The BMW system monitors and interprets the user's voice commands regarding the type of music, the name of the artist, an album or an individual title, ensuring precise access to the audio program desired.

BMW's voice control makes the operation and control of all of BMW's latest navigation, communication and entertainment systems particularly reliable, safe, and convenient. User-friendly optimisation of the voice control function now enables the driver to use these extended options even more conveniently, without the slightest effort.

The new system comes in a wide range of languages and is available in Germany and Austria, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Spain, Great Britain, and the USA.

Unique solution the world over straight from the factory: BMW cars "understand" complete addresses and music requests.
Introducing optimised voice control into the market in all current models as of September 2009 in combination with BMW's optional navigation system Professional, BMW is once again setting standards in the simple and convenient control of navigation and entertainment systems fitted straight at the factory.

Following the full word destination entry introduced by BMW in 2006, the new system marks yet a further milestone in the rapid and precise selection of destinations. BMW is indeed the only car maker worldwide to offer a system able to "understand" a complete address entry. From now on the user no longer has to specify the place, street and number he is going to in individual steps, but is rather able to read out all this information in one, the entire message as a whole being covered and electronically processed by the system.

Should the driver, for example, read out the address "Berlin, Willy-Brandt-Strasse 1", his BMW will take him straight to the Federal Chancellery in the capital of Germany.

This new system also facilitates the process of choosing your favourite music program while driving. To do so, the system supports the specific search for audio files, following various criteria according to the user's choice. One option is to specify the type of music you desire, the artist, album or even the title of a specific song by voice control. The system then immediately presents the choice of audio files saved on the hard disc in a title list – and as of spring 2010, the system will even cover data files on a music player connected to the car.

Looking for the user's favourite song, BMW's voice control system also recognises several languages parallel to one another, finding, say, the English title of a song sung by a German artist without the slightest problem.

BMW voice control and BMW iDrive control: perfect combination of intuitive and safe function management.
Optimised voice control through BMW's new system makes a significant contribution to enhanced comfort and safety in road traffic. Activation of frequently used functions by voice control ideally supplements BMW's trendsetting iDrive control concept, offering the user the benefits of both systems all in one and ensuring largely intuitive operation of numerous vehicle and comfort functions, with the driver hardly having to take his eyes off the road. Hence, the driver is able to use the navigation and entertainment systems in his BMW quickly and efficiently, at the same time concentrating entirely on driving conditions and the traffic around him.

From the start the combination of BMW iDrive with voice control of a large number of commands ensures a supreme level of all-round efficiency. This efficiency has indeed been consistently optimised in the course of time, ranging from full-word entry in specifying destinations all the way to multi-modal control through voice control and the Controller in the latest generation of BMW iDrive. The driver is able to switch smoothly and without the slightest interruption from one entry mode to the other while performing the same process, with voice recognition remaining active for simultaneous use while making entries through the Controller.

This multi-mode operation may also be combined with new voice control functions enabling the driver to use his own particular style and mode of operation for functions he requires particularly often. To enter destinations into the navigation system quickly and in a routined manner, for example, the driver may first use voice control and then, through the Controller, call up specific information on sights and special stopovers along his route. He also has the option to pre-select the music program by voice control and then call up his favourite title at the touch of a button.

The system therefore adjusts in unique style to the user's personal preferences, offering the safest and most comfortable mode of operation under all conditions and in every situation.

That aux-in jack that can be found in every GM product is the same aux-in jack you'll find in every Toyota product. But more to the point of supposed technological superiority — find me a Toyota or Honda-branded vehicle with a plug-in-play system that works as effortlessly as Ford's Sync system.

Tell you what — Kneale can send us an e-mail (ray-at-jalopnik-dot-com) and we'll stop by Englewood Cliffs in a fully-optioned Toyota Camry hybrid and a similarly-equipped Ford Fusion hybrid and you can tell me which one is more technologically advanced. Hell, we could show up in a Sync-equipped Ford Focus and it'd kick the Camry's ass in techie goodness. So until Kneale learns a bit more about what equipment comes in what model, we'd suggest he stick to doing what he does best — blathering on about things that aren't cars. We'd suggest perhaps maybe class warfare. See the full clip below:

Yesterday, at CES, Ford announced upgrades to Sync with new goodies like audible turn-by-turn directions, a business and point of interest search capability and traffic rerouting, today they've announced plans to unleash the system in Europe and Asia and hinted at a conceptual next generation of Sync.

Let's get the boring stuff out of the way first. Beginning in 2010, Ford will introduce Sync in European countries in a bevy of native languages and then it will migrate to Japan and other Asian Pacific nations as well as Australia (no response on whether or not it will berate you in an Aussie accent for hooning, mate).

Ford is also announcing that it has partnered with the professional frustration-generating nerds at Best Buy's "Geek Squad" for promotion and technical support deal. Tech support? Whatever for? Well, for starters, you'll now be able to download new applications and software updates onto a USB drive and update your system. Since a huge swath of buyers are technologically inept, this is easier than clogging dealer service bays.

But what of the next-gen Sync? Well, we've seen a demo of the thing and although we can't yet spill the beans on what car it'll be displayed in, we can talk about its impressive levels of HAL 9000-like interactivity with all of the creepiness you can imagine. It even has an interactive avatar named Eva who looks like a more bookish version of Dot Matrix from the long-defunct, Saturday morning CGI kids show ReBoot. Eva interacts with the driver, manages information, handles navigation duties, and surfs the internet for you all while being generally helpful. Eva is nice, but the system behind her is more interesting. Ford is working towards a more technologically integrated future by integrating today's hardware with bleeding edge software concepts to birth solutions that seem decades away.

This concept centers around the mantra of "Be Clear, Be Attentive, Be Approachable, and Be Connected." The idea is to make being connected to the wider web and the world easier, and voice controlled. The system would do things like manage your calender and actively remind the driver of today's tasks, search the internet by voice command for a necessary article (or hilarious and informative posts on Jalopnik) and then read it to you, set up meetings with colleagues, suggest music playlists to augment your moods, and generally manage your mobile life. For all you techy nerds out there, Ford is even working on applications that can control downloaded apps on your Blackberry or iPhone by way of your steering wheel. Ford is positioning this concept as "Car as Companion," and the mockup we saw delivers on that. It's a vision of a Minority Report future, yes, but there are inevitably customers who would go nuts for it.

You'll hear more about Eva, and the next generation Sync concept when it's unveiled live at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.

Ford ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR CONTINUED IN-CAR CONNECTIVITY LEADERSHIP, NEW SYNC FEATURES

*Ford’s technology leadership, modeled after the quick pace of consumer electronics industry, continues delivering affordable, smart innovations to millions of customers

*Ford SYNC goes global in 2010 starting in Europe, then migrates to Asia Pacific and Australia

*Ford launches new SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information feature in the U.S., providing drivers personalized real-time information with no monthly subscription fees for the first three years

*Ford hints at the future of in-car connectivity with totally configurable cockpit concept with intuitive, conversational electronic personal assistant

*Ford partners with retail electronics giant Best Buy to help build SYNC awareness and provide technical support through its Geek Squad network

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8, 2009 – Ford today announced plans to globalize its affordable industry-leading SYNC technologies and services at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and introduced new features aimed at further growing its in-vehicle connectivity leadership.

“No one in the automotive industry offers this level of connectivity as simply and affordably as Ford,” said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally, who delivered his first keynote address at CES Thursday. “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.”

Mulally, along with Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of Global Product Development, and top members of Ford’s Connected Services team, announced a new set of SYNC services that leverage industry-leading voice-recognition software, integrated GPS technology and a customer’s Bluetooth-capable mobile phone to 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.

Launching this summer, SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information allows customers to move seamlessly between their home, car and office, staying connected wherever they go. 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.

Ford SYNC is the industry’s first system to seamlessly integrate a variety of technologies to provide emergency, diagnostic and information services as well as traffic reports and directions on the road. They include: on-board text-to-speech engine, a customer’s mobile phone and network, data-over-voice technology, an off-board routing engine and voice portal, text messaging, an existing mobile application and the power of the Internet.

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.

“Our goal is to lead the industry into a new era of in-vehicle connectivity,” Kuzak said. “Using a SYNC platform that is more capable than ever before, we are taking ideas from technology companies and bringing them into the vehicle. The power of the partnership really knows no bounds.”

Kuzak said a key difference an important competitive advantage for Ford is that the company has no interest in developing its own proprietary system.

“We have an open system that accepts hardware and software products and applications,” he said. “We are striving to deliver technologies and applications to customers with speed, scale and affordability that no other automaker can touch.”

In addition, the SYNC system is upgradeable. Customers can add new features and applications by using simple download features. Plus, all the new features come without a monthly service fee for three years.

The success of SYNC is creating demand outside North America. Ford will be a making the award-winning system available globally starting in 2010, first in Europe, then migrating to Asia Pacific and Australia.

Ford also is redefining how customers react and interact with a vehicle’s controls and displays, including making voice recognition more natural and conversational. The first breakthrough in Ford’s Human Machine Interface (HMI) strategy is SmartGauge with EcoGuide, which launches on the new 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan Hybrids this spring. SmartGauge with EcoGuide is an innovative new instrument cluster that provides real-time information and “coaches” drivers on how to achieve maximum fuel efficiency in their hybrids.

On Thursday, Ford offered a glimpse into the future with a new, more powerful HMI that hints at how Ford’s future interior environments could function one day. It takes SYNC to the next level through the use of configurable controls and the use of an electronic personal assistant, or “avatar,” named Eva.

Engaged through conversational speech, Eva acts as the liaison to the vehicle’s connectivity and infotainment features, including SYNC and the Internet.

“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,” said Jim Buczkowski, director of Electronics Systems Engineering.
“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.” he added.

Ford also announced a new partnership with leading electronics retailer Best Buy, to help build SYNC awareness and provide tech support through its Geek Squad.

“It’s through partnership like Best Buy, Microsoft and countless others,” said Mulally, “that we are building new roads, connecting more people than ever, making connectivity technology affordable for millions, today and into the future.”

First, lets talk conceptually for a moment. Instead of doing all the grunt work and developing the entire system and everything on the computational back-end internally, Ford has partnered with a number of the worlds software and telematics companies. By building a hardware platform onto which those technologies can be operated with minimal changes, Ford is reducing time to market and adapting the work of established leaders for use in the car.

But what are those upgrades?

You can now ask Sync to find a business and it will provide voice prompt directions in cars without a screen, or text message the directions to your mobile phone. This is done completely "off-board" via a wireless connection to the internet and a partnership with online service partners. The system can also now find the nearest cheap gas and guide you to it, and it can warn you of upcoming traffic congestion and suggest alternate routes to save time.

Another interesting feature added to syncmyride.com is the information services. Log on and select the headline news, or perhaps you're closely following the Detroit Lions, save your preferences and when you're driving around town you can ask it to pull up the scores so you can find out how badly those fellas in Honolulu Blue got whipped by a team of fifth graders. The service is free for three years with all new Ford products.

In addition to the new features, there are little tweaks that provide a simpler user experience. Things like more shortcut commands such as "directions to home" make the system more user friendly overall. The traffic, information and directions feature can also be synced (ha) to a Bluetooth phone and then ported to any Ford product with the Sync System.

Consider this: The original iteration of Sync was first introduced in the 2007 Ford Focus, and it was so good, people overlooked the pugliness of the Focus and bought it anyway. The only problem with this news is that as far as we know, is that there aren't any hideous Ford products coming out any time soon, so they're going to have a hard time building enough units to meet demand.

NEW FORD SYNC FEATURES HELP DRIVERS SAVE TIME, FUEL WITH PERSONALIZED NEWS, TRAFFIC DETAILS

LAS VEGAS, Jan.7, 2009 – 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 delivered the Consumer Electronics Show keynote address on Thursday.

The success of SYNC – the award-winning communications and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft – continues to grow. Ford’s game-changing vehicle connectivity model and affordability have helped make it one of the widest technology introductions in the industry, launching on 12 vehicles simultaneously.

SYNC-equipped Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles sell nearly twice as fast as those without, and a Ford survey of SYNC customers showed nearly 80 percent of respondents “definitely would” recommend it to a friend.

Since the introduction of SYNC in the 2008 Ford Focus, Ford quickly has integrated the technology. By summer 2009, Ford’s 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, Ford’s 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 driver’s entire quality of life.”

Ford’s next-generation system – SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information – leverages industry-leading voice-recognition software, integrated GPS technology and a customer’s 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 Ford’s 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.

SYNC’s 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 customer’s own phone. That powerful match is what differentiates SYNC in the marketplace and what will expand Ford’s connectivity leadership long-term.

“Today, Ford leads the industry leader in infotainment,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s 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.

“We’re 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 Microsoft’s 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.

To take advantage of Traffic, Directions and Information, customers simply have to pair their Bluetooth-enabled phone with SYNC and activate the service via www.syncmyride.com.
Once that’s complete, the feature becomes “portable,” meaning customers can access the information in any Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle equipped with SYNC and the Traffic, Directions and Information function.

Traffic
SYNC’s new traffic feature will literally save drivers time and money by providing personalized traffic reports based on best-in-class content.

“We are able to provide traffic speed, flow and incident information to drivers in 95 markets nationwide,” said VanDagens. “In addition, drivers can personalize the system to alert them of changing road conditions.”

In a text message to the user’s device, drivers will get the location and severity of accidents or new road construction causing areas of heavy congestion. Users can personalize the system to send them an alert before they leave home or have SYNC read the text message in their vehicle.

“SYNC is working for you before you’re even out of bed,” VanDagens said. “That’s what we mean by a quality-of-life experience.”

Directions
According to Telematics Research Group, Inc., navigation-enabled mobile phones are becoming consumers’ top choice for navigation services. This shift will open up new applications and services – and SYNC is positioned to take full advantage of this market shift using its powerful partnership network.

Drivers requesting directions now can use a variety of search criteria including a 14-million-plus business directory to find their destination, be it a favorite coffee shop or the location of a business meeting.

Turn-by-turn directions are downloaded to the vehicle and are spoken to the user over the vehicle’s audio system and displayed on the radio.

Like the new traffic service, directions incorporate real-time traffic information. Through a set of more conversational voice commands, the user need only speak the name, category or “nearest.”

The new directions service also offers users a choice of how they’d like to receive the information:
Automatic connection to business telephone using the driver’s personal device;
Turn-by-turn directions to the business location using the vehicle’s audio system; or
Text message to user’s device with business listing and map.

Information
Another new feature of SYNC will help drivers’ personalize and categorize their favorite media topics, such as sports, weather and news using voice commands or through www.syncmyride.com.

Examples include:
Personalized sports reports featuring scores and highlights for any professional or college team;
Current weather conditions and forecasts based on city, state or zip-code; and
News of all types – entertainment, business, top stories and technology.

“SYNC has been developed to allow users to create their own experiences,” said VanDagens. “Some people may wish to check their stock portfolios; others might want their hometown baseball scores. With SYNC’s unique architecture and the powerful Tellme voice service, there are no boundaries to the information users can access.”

New short-cuts added
SYNC has gotten smarter as well, and is providing a variety of new “short-cut” commands. Users recall comments such as, “Call Joe at work,” and, “Play artist ACDC.” New commands include, “traffic to work,” and, “directions to home.” Using the website, users can save a variety of locations such as home, office and airport – any location in the U.S.

These new capabilities are in addition to SYNC’s established hallmark suite of services, from hands-free, voice-activated cell phone, text messaging and digital media player integration to the more recent security and convenience additions of 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report.

“We understand how important it is for customers to feel connected to their lives – even on the road,” Kuzak said. “Ford is committed to continue working with the top technology companies in the business to deliver even more of the features consumers really want.”
# # #

Microsoft and Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group to Develop Next Generation of In-Car Infotainment New partnership will globalize innovative in-car infotainment.

SEOUL, South Korea — May 6, 2008 — Today, Microsoft Corp. and Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group (HKAG) entered into a long-term agreement to co-develop the next generation of in-car infotainment systems. Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft, and Mongku Chung, chairman of HKAG, were present as Martin Thall, general manager of Microsoft's Automotive Business Unit, and Hyun Soon Lee, president and chief technology officer of HKAG, signed the agreement in Seoul.

Together, Microsoft and HKAG will deliver new and innovative solutions based on the Microsoft Auto software platform, bringing the future of in-car technology to Hyundai-Kia drivers worldwide.

"These new systems will redefine consumer experiences in the car," Thall said. "Since the spring of 2006, HKAG and Microsoft have been sharing their vision for the future of in-car technology. We're now aligned to develop the next generation of in-car infotainment systems."

"We are pleased to partner with Microsoft to deliver high-performance infotainment solutions to our customers," Lee said. "The advanced capabilities, flexibility and low price point make the Microsoft Auto software platform an attractive solution for us."

The first product, a next-generation infotainment system that provides voice-controlled connectivity between mobile devices, will be introduced in the North American market in 2010. It will further apply to Asian and European markets, and expand into multimedia and navigation devices. These easy-to-use infotainment systems will allow consumers to enjoy music in various digital formats.

The next-generation infotainment systems are comparable to mini-PCs. Even after product launch, new functions can be added or upgraded in the form of software program updates, an innovation to existing in-car multimedia technology.

The Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group's adoption of the Microsoft Auto software platform increases Microsoft's presence in the Asian car market and enhances the global automotive business. The engineering and marketing teams of Microsoft's Automotive Business Unit in Redmond, Wash., will be working directly with counterparts at HKAG in Seoul to support this goal. Microsoft Auto-powered systems are currently available in Fiat Auto Group vehicles in Europe and South America and Ford Motor Co. vehicles in North America.

In a related announcement, Microsoft and Hyundai-Kia, along with the Institute for Information Technology Advancement (IITA), signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to co-establish an automotive IT innovation center with the goal of promoting innovation and opportunities for Korean software and device vendors in the global market.

Talladega. Yes, the partial name of the semi-funny Will Ferrel movie is the codename of Microsoft's next generation of Sync. Then again, we all know codenames are rarely used for the real release of any product, but who knows with this case. I can already imagine the kids: "Hey dudebro, check my sa-weet Talladega system!" Yeah, it just doesn't sound right. [Automotive]

As we all know, Microsoft Auto software underpins the popular Ford SYNC service, which combines the various in-car systems into one somewhat easy-to-use interface. What if they were able to use that system to advertise to you? How would they use it? According to Microsoft's Martin Thall, it looks as though the GPS is probably the best outlet. Imagine driving down the street and having the navigation screen display an ad for Starbucks with some sort of special incentive for pulling in to get a latte, like offering you a free Mp3.

This isn't a wild idea, in fact I wrote about locational advertising for UrbanCartography.com almost three years ago. This is much better than the current model for the provider because charging a monthly rate will, as with cell phones, allow competition to dictate a lower price or more service. There's also a finite, though large, number of customers.

As Google has already proven, there's almost an unlimited amount of advertising revenue to be gotten (if you don't believe me just google "mesothelioma"). As stewards of this technology, we imagine that companies will be responsible and limit the advertising so that it doesn't become ridiculous. Right.... right?

[CNet via The Truth About Cars]

A lot of Microsoft's motive for spreading Sync comes from demand on Ford vehicles. It would appear people really like Sync, which is currently a worthwhile $395 upgrade to any FoMoCo product. Thall says that Ford is super-great for adopting Sync so early, but Microsoft has dollar signs in their eyes and wants to make money everywhere possible, more or less. [Detroit Free Press]

Overall, I was pretty happy with Sync. The media functionality was superb and actually using the system while driving is very easy. The commenters are ripping on me for owning a Zune (and likely my taste in music, as well), but Sync worked wonders when paired with this device, and would work just as well with players from Apple, Creative, iRiver, Sandisk and so on. With the CD, AM/FM, Sirius, USB, auxiliary input and Bluetooth connectivity, the entire spectrum of media is covered and capable of being played through the Sync system. Unless you still favor cassettes. If so, you are free to cease reading now and return to devoting yourself full-time to getting hell out of 1995.

The phone functionality was pretty good, as well. Once you overcome the agony of getting it all set up—and I endured some significant agony—it works well. The option to receive and send (limited) text messages is a definite bonus, compared to other in-car systems. But as I have urged in my two previous installment, check out SyncMyRide.com to see if your cellphone is fully compatible, because that could be a big deciding factor in taking the plunge on this $400 option in Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles.

The Sync did have a bit of a learning curve. I am a pretty technically savvy person, but I struggled through the unboxing and setup. Sync didn't have a similar feel to other consumer electronics or gadgets. The menu system and button-functionality took some time to get accustomed to; in the end, it was like learning an entirely new system. This threw me off because the vast majority of consumer electronics employ tried-and-true functionality that is in most cases easy to grasp without being forced to consult a manual (Sync has one, of course, and it's substantial, but when it comes to stuff like this, you want to play first and ask questions later).

The final word is that I would recommend the system. Once you get over the initial setup and learning curve hurdle, the Sync pays for itself in terms of convenience and functionality. Just be sure to first determine whether your gadgets are compatible.

Don't be intimidated by my unboxing yesterday. I approached the Sync the same way I would review any other kind of consumer electronics—and the way any ordinary human being would use a similar type of electronic doodad. Meaning: Play first, read later.

The first hurdle setting up Sync was determining the method of standard operations. It took me a little while to figure out the menu system for setting everything up. It's a tree-based menu system similar to how a computer file directory works, but until I determined that the OK and Phone button on the steering wheel acted almost as the forward and backward button throughout the tree menus, it was painful trying to navigate through and remember the menus, all while managing the total Sync setup. I would have preferred an entire computer integrated into my car. Learning new operational standards and systems is not something anybody likes to do.

As mentioned yesterday as well, consult SyncMyRide.com to determine just how capable your cellphone is when operating with the Sync. The majority of the setup video was me trying to get all of my contacts onto the Sync. Because my phone didn't support the entire address book push, it required me to manually send (over Bluetooth) each contact to Sync, a process that I repeatedly botched. Eventually I ended up just dialing the number I wanted to call directly on the number pad, an adequate workaround and a way to buy time until I could further investigate why the Sync wouldn't accept my Bluetooth contacts pushed individually.

Once the cellphone address book is established, then many other features can be utilized, such as voice commands when using the phone, along with other options.

On the plus side, the media set-up process was nearly flawless. A little menu tweaking was required to determine what source the Sync recognized as the input. In my case, I set it up as my Zune through the USB connection. But it can also be configured to receive music over Bluetooth and through the auxiliary input. I was also happy to learn that Sync is capable of playing DRM-restricted music for a select number of the many supported MP3 players—including the Zune and the iPod. This is an excellent in-car media system that became a pleasure to use after I began to memorize a lot of the voice commands.

Overall, I can't put all of the blame on set-up on the Sync—my cellphone caused some of the problems, because I doesn't support all features available on Sync. Stay tuned for part three in the series where I give the Sync a full-blown road test.

HD radio is like a regular AM or FM radio all juiced up with MP3-quality music and sound. The compressed digital signal eliminates the static traditionally associated with standard radio and like satellite radio it can include textual information such as song titles, traffic, weather and the like. Unlike sat rad, it's advertising-based, and thus "free." Basically it works the same way as traditional radio, but listners must have a special receiver capable of accepting these signals. and Ford is the first US automobile manufacturer to provide such factory-installed. BMW's been offering HD radio on its entire line since 2007, Jaguar's offering HD radio in the 2008 XJ Sedan, and Hyundai says the Concept Genesis sedan will get it too.

Many will raise an eyebrow at this decision because HD radio has been somewhat of a neverending Betamax. HD radio first burst on the scene nearly six years ago. And still to this day not all radio stations provide an HD stream of content. Hell, it has taken Ford six years to decide to include it factory-installed. And right after the launch of its Sync system? Oh well. At this point, if you ever find yourself bored in a Ford vehicle, you should probably retire from driving completely. [Press Release]

POPULAR FORD SYNC SYSTEM UPDATED, EXPANDED; '911 ASSIST' CONNECTS EMERGENCY MEDICAL HELP

• Ford-Microsoft SYNC system to be available in nearly all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles later this year
• New "911 Assist" feature will help quickly connect vehicle occupants directly to a local 911 emergency operator following an air bag deployment in a SYNC-equipped vehicle - with no monthly fees
• Since SYNC is updatable, customers with 2008-model-year SYNC-equipped vehicles will be able to have their systems improved with the new applications

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6, 2008 - Ford Motor Company and Microsoft announce today that the award-winning Ford SYNC™ in-car connectivity system will be available to even more customers and with even more functionality later this year.

In his keynote address at the 2008 International CES in Las Vegas, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates announced that Ford will expand SYNC to nearly all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars and trucks by the end of 2008. Gates also confirmed a new "911 Assist" feature that will help drivers connect with emergency assistance in the event of an air bag deployment.

Introduced in the fall of 2007 and developed jointly by Ford and Microsoft, SYNC provides customers the convenience and flexibility to bring digital media players - Apple iPods, Microsoft Zunes and other MP3 players - and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones into their vehicle and operate the devices via voice commands or with the buttons on the steering wheel or radio.

SYNC has been very popular. The new technology - which is exclusive to Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles - topped 30,000 unit sales in its first three months on the market. In fact, Ford says SYNC is on track to reach 1 million sales in early 2009.

The technology is available today on 12 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles. Later this year, it will be offered on nearly every new Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicle.

In addition to the new 911 Assist feature, SYNC is being updated this year to create, on demand, easy-to-understand reports that owners can use to monitor the health of their vehicles.

Because SYNC is a software solution, owners of 2008 models equipped with SYNC already on the road will be able to have their systems updated with the new functions, as well.

"From the start, we pursued an updatable software solution with SYNC, using the consumer electronics business as our model," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of Global Product Development. "The ability to add functionality and update the system to work with new devices is what makes SYNC unique in the industry right now. It is a strategy that will benefit our customers over time by ensuring their systems do not become outdated."

911 Assist
Research shows that safety continues to be a leading driver of purchase consideration, and Ford is already a safety leader. In fact, Ford Motor Company has earned more National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) five star safety ratings and more Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Picks than any other manufacturer.

But, in the event of a serious accident with an air bag deployment, the ability to directly contact the local 911 emergency operator could be a critical need - for both vehicle occupants and the first responders. Beginning later this year, SYNC can help.
When a phone is properly paired, turned on and connected to SYNC - which is designed to happen every time the driver enters the vehicle with his or her cell phone - the system will be ready to assist in placing a call to a local 911 emergency operator should an air bag-deploying accident occur.

Before initiating the emergency 911 call, SYNC will provide a 10-second window to allow the driver or passenger to decide whether to cancel the call. If not manually cancelled within the 10-second window, SYNC will place the emergency call. A pre-recorded message will play when the call is answered, and occupants in the vehicle will then be able to communicate directly with the 911 operator.

"Being connected means being able to get the help you need, when you need it," Kuzak said. "With SYNC, and specifically with the 911 Assist feature, we will be providing our customers an extra layer of security and peace of mind."

The key advantage of SYNC 911 Assist is speed, as calls are placed directly to local 911 operators. A SYNC-assisted call should reach 911 operators faster than competitive systems, as there are no handoffs and no need to speak to a call-center operator. Further, there is no additional monthly fee for this feature, as SYNC utilizes a customer's existing mobile phone.

Once the call is connected, 911 operators can respond to the situation exactly as they would with any 911 call. Emergency services can even determine the medical priority and dispatch the appropriate assistance based on the situation. If necessary - if vehicle occupants are non-responsive, for example - the location of the vehicle can be determined through voice-signal triangulation or, on some phones, the GPS location feature.

The new SYNC 911 Assist feature is expected to be high on every "customer want" list. It will become available later this year, and earlier SYNC software and vehicles will be updatable to support this additional application.

FORD SHOWCASES FUTURE OF IN-CAR SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS AT INTERNATIONAL CES 2008

• Popular Ford SYNC system upgrades and other new in-car communications technologies to be unveiled at consumer electronics show on Sunday
• Announcements include Ford's new SIRIUS Travel Link™ navigation system, which gives drivers and passengers up-to-the-minute information on current gas prices, traffic, coast-to-coast weather conditions, sports scores and movie listings
• New SIRIUS Travel Link system is coupled to Ford's next-generation navigation - developed with industry leader Xanavi
• The system includes full music "jukebox" capability - with space for up to 2,400 tracks and Gracenote® technology for album cover art and music voice control
• All-new 2009 Lincoln MKS luxury sedan - on sale this summer - is first vehicle with Ford's full suite of new in-car communications technologies
• Every new Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicle will be available with Ford's award-winning SYNC system by year end; 85 percent of Ford's retail volume will be offered with SYNC - including Bluetooth connectivity

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 4, 2008 - Building on the success of SYNC, Ford Motor Company unveils the next generation of in-car communications at the International CES on Sunday.

The company will announce what comes next for SYNC -developed in partnership with Microsoft - as well as introduce International CES attendees to Ford's new SIRIUS Travel Link™ navigation system.

"Ford's goal is to deliver the smart, connected in-car experience that customers today demand and to lead the industry into a new era of in-vehicle connectivity," says Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of Global Product Development, who will attend the International CES, the world's largest consumer trade event and showcase for new technologies.

"Ford is answering the call with the best technology solutions from companies like Microsoft and SIRIUS, connecting customers with mobile devices, important information they need on the road and bringing the experience to life with the latest in navigation technology and branded audio," Kuzak adds.

SYNC is one of the rising stars in the auto industry today and is on track to reach 1 million sales in early 2009. SYNC connects people and their favorite portable devices while in the vehicle, including media players and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones.

In addition to new SYNC features to be revealed at the International CES, Ford has confirmed that nearly every new Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicle will be available with SYNC by year end, when approximately 85 percent of company's retail volume will be offered with SYNC - including its Bluetooth connectivity.

Ford SIRIUS Travel Link™ navigation system
At the International CES, Ford also will announce it is moving in-car connectivity further forward with the launch of a next-generation navigation system, available for the first time ever with SIRIUS Travel Link.

With Travel Link, drivers and passengers will have access to up-to-the-minute information and entertainment content through the vehicle's navigation system. This includes: current gas prices from an estimated 120,000 filling stations; local, real-time traffic information for 78 markets; coast-to-coast weather conditions with five-day forecasts; sports scores, and movie listings.

Travel Link works through the existing SIRIUS satellite and repeater infrastructure - offering uninterrupted, coast-to-coast coverage. Specifically, the Ford SIRIUS Travel Link system provides information on:

• Traffic Data: SIRIUS Travel Link combines real-time traffic speed and flow data with accident and incident information to allow the user to navigate around congested areas.

• Weather: SIRIUS Travel Link shows coast-to-coast weather data, current conditions and five-day forecasts, detailed storm cell information, hurricane and tropical storm tracking, local wind speeds, and even ski resort conditions.

• Fuel Prices: Drawing on information from more than 120,000 gas stations, SIRIUS Travel Link sorts fuel options by price, distance or alphabetically. If requested, the navigation system can route users to the gasoline station with the lowest fuel price.

• Sports: No matter your passion - NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NASCAR, NCAAF, NCAAB, and golf - SIRIUS Travel Link provides scores and schedules and can be personalized for the user's selected teams.

• Movies: With listings from more than 4,500 movie theaters, SIRIUS Travel Link helps consumers plan ahead by providing movie times, theater addresses, ratings and run lengths. Using the Ford navigation system, the data can be sorted by distance. If requested, the navigation system can route users to the selected movie theater.

"Having this information in a car is game-changing," said Doug Wilsterman, SIRIUS senior vice president and general manager for automotive OEMs. "This is technology that drivers will use everyday."

When introduced this summer, the all-new 2009 Lincoln MKS will be one of the first vehicles with Ford's full suite of new in-car communications technologies, including Travel Link. The service will be offered on multiple Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles by the end of the year.

A six-month introductory subscription to the SIRIUS Travel Link service - combined with the SIRIUS Satellite Radio audio service - will be included in every Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicle equipped with Ford's next-generation navigation system.

In-Car Communications Popularity Soars
American consumers increasingly expect to stay connected and enjoy instant access to information, studies show. Approximately 243 million Americans have mobile phones today and four of every five adults have regular access to the internet.

By 2009, trends indicate there will be as least 250 million portable media players in use.

A third of U.S. consumers are very interested in having Internet access in their vehicles, and the number is close to 50 percent for survey respondents between the ages of 16 and 25, according to a 2007 J.D. Power Automotive Emerging Technologies study.

"Consumers are increasingly demanding seamless connectivity between their house and office and car," noted Sheryl Connelly, Ford Global Trends and Futuring manager. "They want to be able to access information 'just in time' or on-demand, because they are used to having access to it wherever they go. More than anything, they want to stay connected and informed."

# # #

SYNC SPARKING SALES, SATISFYING CUSTOMERS

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 2, 2008 — In 26 years of selling cars and trucks, Ken Venema says he has never seen a feature impress customers like Ford's SYNCTM.

"I must have a half-dozen sales because of SYNC. I strongly believe that," said Venema, a sales consultant at Pfeiffer Lincoln Mercury in Grand Rapids, Mich. "I'm sold on it. And I'm sure glad Ford's got it."

The dealership even switched its radio spots recently from advertising price to promoting SYNC.

"I am using (SYNC) as a showroom builder. I am pumped on it because it's something that we can offer the market that doesn't focus on price, and it's something we have that our competitors don't," said Kim Winkler, new car sales manager, Pfeiffer Lincoln Mercury.

SYNC, Ford's industry-exclusive technology that provides customers in-vehicle voice command compatibility with portable digital media players and most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, is helping drive vehicles sales across the country.

SYNC-equipped Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles were moving more than twice as fast off dealer lots in November than those same vehicles without SYNC. And customer satisfaction is high.

According to a Ford survey of SYNC customers, nearly 80 percent of respondents "definitely would" recommend it to a friend. Microsoft, which collaborated with Ford on the technology, was very encouraged.

"It's early in SYNC's launch — we'll know more about its impact in a few months — but so far all indicators are extraordinarily positive," explained John Emmert, SYNC marketing manager, Ford Motor Company.

The survey also revealed that most customers thought SYNC was easy to use, and that dealers were helpful in explaining and demonstrating the new technology.

Sales consultant Everton McLeod of Manhattan (N.Y.) Ford says extensive in-dealership training prior to SYNC'S launch was very beneficial.

"It wasn't like they just told us about it. Everybody had to do something — pair a phone, dial a number — so the instructor could see that we actually grasped what he taught us," said McLeod.

SYNC is also hitting its targeted customers, which include a savvy, tech-toting younger demographic as well as an older group that likes the convenience of hands-free mobile phone operathttp://blogs.gawker.com/mt.cgi?__mode=view&_type=entry&blog_id=12#ion.

Emmert says Ford employees frequently stop him at work to relate stories about SYNC's ability to raise awareness and purchase consideration for the company's products among relatives and friends who swore off domestic vehicles years ago.

"When you think about a feature having the power to put Ford back on customers' shopping lists, it's pretty impressive," he said.

SYNC currently is offered on 12 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models. The first SYNC-equipped vehicles, including the redesigned 2008 Ford Focus, began reaching customers in late September. When offered as an option, the system is priced at $395. [Source: FORD]

Suitability Parameters:
· Speed Merchants: No
· Fashion Victims: Yes
· Treehuggers: Yes
· Mack Daddies: No
· Tuner Crowd: Yes
· Hairdressers: Yes
· Penny Pinchers: No
· Euro Snobs: No
· Working Stiffs: No
· Technogeeks: Yes
· Poseurs: No
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: No

Also Consider:
· Toyota Corolla
· Honda Civic
· Nissan Sentra
· Dodge Caliber
· Mazda3

Vitals:
· Manufacturer: Ford
· Model tested: Focus SES Coupe
· Model year: 2008
· Base Price: $16,075
· Price as Tested: $19,710
· Engine type: 2.0-liter I-4 DOHC
· Horsepower: 140 hp @ 6000 rpm
· Torque: 136 lb.-ft. @ 4250 rpm
· Redline: 6500
· Transmission: 5-speed manual
· Curb Weight: 2755 pounds
· LxWxH: 175 X 78.4 X 58.6
· Wheelbase: 102.9 inches
· Tires: P205/50R16 87H all season
· Drive type: Front-Wheel Drive
· 0 - 60 mph: 8.4 Seconds
· 1/4-mile: 16.4 seconds
· Fuel economy city/highway: 24/35
· NHTSA crash test rating: N/A

2008 Ford Focus Coupe, Part 1, Part 2

FORD TO MAKE HD DIGITAL RADIO AVAILABLE ACROSS NEARLY ALL PRODUCT LINES

* Dealer-installed option available nationwide on nearly every 2008 model year Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicle
* HD Digital Radio™ can be installed on most currently-owned vehicles built in model years 2005, 2006 and 2007
* Ford's high-definition radio strategy builds on company's effort to be among the industry's leaders in delivering new automotive entertainment technologies

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept., 26, 2007 - Ford Motor Co. today became the first automaker to offer HD Digital Radio across multiple product lines. The dealer-installed high-definition radio option is now available nationwide on nearly all 2008 model year Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles. Additionally, HD Digital Radio can be installed on many earlier models from 2005, 2006 and 2007. As with SYNC, the extensive availability of HD Digital Radio furthers the company's ongoing efforts to deliver new entertainment technologies to automotive consumers.

"We believe HD Digital Radio will be an important part of Ford's commitment to delivering innovations with mass appeal," said Kim Irwin, Vehicle Personalization and Accessories manager for Ford's Customer Service Division. "We're helping our customers stay connected by supporting the features and functions they want in their vehicles. The dramatically improved audio, text and data features of HD Digital Radio - along with its hundreds of new radio stations - create a compelling combination at the right price."

HD Digital Radio dramatically increases the sound quality of radio broadcasts and enables more than one radio broadcast on a single channel. As a result, consumers hear a wide range of new HD2 multicast stations as well as their favorite radio stations in crystal clear digital sound with no monthly subscription fee. More than 1500 radio stations in the U.S. currently broadcast in HD digital sound, with more than 600 stations also airing HD2 multicasts.

HD Radio joins other new technologies - including SYNC - being offered in Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles to make driving more enjoyable and convenient than ever before. Beginning immediately, HD Digital Radio will be available as a dealer-installed option on new, pre-owned and currently-owned vehicles. Price points will vary by dealership but, as always, HD Radio broadcasts carry no monthly subscription fee.

"Drivers have always had a love affair with their car radios," added Irwin. "HD Radio offers our dealers a triple threat: It differentiates their offerings from other brands; it lets them upgrade customer entertainment systems in a unique way; and it lets buyers of recent pre-owned vehicles as well as current vehicle owners share completely in the benefits. This is the kind of program that our dealers love to see."

To support the launch, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealers will benefit from an aggressive, multi-million-dollar, 13-week, on-air radio marketing campaign in partnership with the HD Digital Radio Alliance. The commercials will air in 100 markets over some 700 radio stations beginning on September 26, 2007.

"In all of our discussions with auto makers, Ford has consistently demonstrated both the will and the resolve to be industry leaders in this arena," said Peter Ferrara, president and CEO of the HD Digital Radio Alliance. "Now that HD Radio is broadcasting across hundreds of local stations nationwide, partners who move early will gain the biggest advantage."

The HD Digital Radio Alliance is a joint initiative of leading radio broadcasters to accelerate the successful rollout of HD Digital Radio. Current members include major radio groups and independent station owners: Beasley Broadcast Group, Bonneville International, CBS Radio, Citadel Broadcasting / ABC Radio, Clear Channel Radio, Emmis Communications, Entercom, Greater Media and WBEB Philadelphia. For more information on HD Digital Radio, visit www.hdradio.com.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 260,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information about Ford products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.

FORD SYNC WILL MAKE IN-CAR CONNECTIVITY MORE AFFORDABLE THAN EVER

* Ford Sync™ - developed in collaboration with Microsoft - is a fully integrated, voice-activated in-car communications and entertainment system that works with most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players.
* Sync will be standard on Lincoln products and widely available on Ford and Mercury vehicles. Option price: $395.
* Sync will be available in 12 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products beginning this fall, and in nearly all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products within two years.

DEARBORN, Mich., August 9, 2007 - Ford Motor Company today confirmed the distribution and pricing strategy of Ford Sync, an advanced in-car communication and entertainment system developed in collaboration with Microsoft. Sync will be standard on Lincoln vehicles and widely available on Ford and Mercury vehicles. In most cases, Sync will be included as standard equipment on high-series models from Ford and Mercury - the Ford Edge Limited or Ford Focus SES, for example. On models where Sync is optional, it will be priced at $395.

"Consumer reaction to Sync has been extremely positive since our launch earlier this year," says Cisco Codina, Ford's group vice president of North America Marketing, Sales and Service. "This positive reaction has convinced us to make the system widely available across our range of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products. The simplicity and capability of Sync have tremendous appeal and the affordability we are confirming today is certain to drive ever greater interest."

Sync is a Ford-exclusive technology based on Microsoft Auto software which provides consumers the convenience and flexibility to bring digital media players - Apple iPods, Microsoft Zunes, and other MP3 players - and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones into their vehicle and operate the devices via voice commands or with the vehicle's steering wheel or radio controls. Simply stated: with Sync, consumers are able to use their voice to command their digital media players and Bluetooth mobile phones.

Sync is an on-board computer platform loaded with software that seamlessly integrates the vehicle with today's popular portable electronic devices. Since it is a software-based system, it is updatable and should be able to support the devices and services of tomorrow.

"Drivers want a simple solution to stay connected to the information, entertainment and people most important to them while on the road," said Velle Kolde, product manager of Microsoft's Automotive Business Unit. "Ford Sync, based on the Microsoft Auto software platform, is an updatable, smart and convenient solution for connecting your car with your life."

Demand for In-Car Connectivity is on the Rise

According to research firm IDC (www.IDC.com), the popularity of digital media players continues to grow. A survey in 2006 found nearly 25 percent of U.S. households had at least one media player and ownership among younger consumers was even higher: nearly 60 percent of people aged 18 to 24 owned at least one.

In a related trend, Ford research indicates that over 70 percent of new car buyers are now looking for the ability to use digital media players in their new cars.

Likewise, mobile phone use is commonplace in North America. There are more than 200 million mobile phones in the U.S., according to the Consumer Electronics Association. More mobile phones than ever are Bluetooth enabled. Bluetooth wireless technology is a short-range communications mechanism that replaces traditional cable connections for portable devices. Using Bluetooth technology, Ford Sync can seamlessly connect to a user's mobile phone while it is in the vehicle.

According to the Bluetooth SIG, the special-interest group that manages the Bluetooth protocol, the top-selling phones of all major U.S. carriers have been Bluetooth enabled since 2006 and approximately 70 percent of new mobile phones sold today are Bluetooth enabled.

Ford Sync Becomes Widely Availability

Sync will be available on nearly all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products within two years. The launch will begin this fall, initially with the Ford Focus, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX. By the end of the year, Sync will be standard or available on the following 2008 model-year vehicles:

Ford Edge

Mercury Sable

Lincoln MKX

Ford Explorer

Mercury Milan

Lincoln MKZ

Ford Explorer Sport Trac

Mercury Mountaineer

Ford Focus
Ford Fusion
Ford Taurus
Ford Taurus X

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 260,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.

Related:
Microsoft And Ford Get N'Sync At The Detroit Auto Show And CES, We Get First Exclusive Hands-On: Part 1 [internal]

As you can see from the video above (apologies on the size — we never know how big these things can get) we had the opportunity last week to head down to the super-secret FoMoCo testing and development lab to get an exclusive hands-on with Ford's new infotainment hotness, Sync. The system, created through a joint effort between FoMoCo and the evil geniuses in Redmond will, if you listen to FoMoCo Prez of the Americas, Mark Fields, "revolutionize the automotive industry." While we're not sure we'd go that far, we will say the system is definitely the most robust system we've yet seen for connecting your personal audio and communication devices to your car for in-auto infotainment. The system's just that good.

Sync features two main methods of connection and three bundled applications. On an integration level, it's got a software-upgradeable bluetooth system and a USB connection. The USB connection, in and of itself is pretty amazing — allowing you to connect any mass storage device via a USB cable to a 400 MHz system plus 256 MB of on-board flash RAM. But unlike systems which run the mp3's (or in the case of the Sync system, any unprotected music files) off of an on-board hard drive (think Chrysler's MyGig system), Sync lets you play them off of the drive itself — no muss, no fuss. That means whether you've got an iPod, a Zune or whatever — as long as you've got a USB cable, you're golden. But that's not the only way you can get music onto your audio system — the bluetooth system will let you do it as well. And not only does it let you stream mp3's off of your phone — it'll let you play internet radio via any device with Windows Media Player. But wait, wait — there's more.

You see, there are already a few systems out there with head unit integration — and don't get me wrong, that's cool — in and of itself, that's almost like the "Holy Grail" for iPod audiophiles with auto-integration on the mind. However, there's something cool that sets Sync apart. Sync has one hell of an advanced voice recognition system — letting the driver play songs simply by depressing a voice activation button located on the steering wheel and speaking aloud the artist, album, genre — or even the song title. And, as you can see from the above video, it actually works. But this ain't the only thing it can do — check back in a few hours and we'll bring you the second part — phone and communication device integration. – Ray Wert

[Sync My Ride]

Related:
Ford And Microsoft Get In "Sync" To Offer Wireless Internet In Your Car [internal]