Ford Adds SYNC Features

Ford last week introduced a number of new features for the Sync hands-free information and entertainment system for drivers -- during ShowStoppers, a special event during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

The world-first demonstrations by Ford, Microsoft, Airbiquity, Gracenote, INRIX, MACOM, Sirius, TeleNav, Tellme and THX followed the announcement of SYNC at a CES keynote by Alan Mulally, CEO of Ford Motor Co.

The new version of SYNC expands on a range of services first introduced in the 2008 Ford Focus.

With industry-leading voice-recognition software, integrated GPS technology, and a customer’s Bluetooth mobile phone, SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information provides simple hands-free access to personalized traffic reports, precise turn-by-turn driving directions, and up-to-date information such as business listings, news, sports, and weather. The new services will be available on nearly all 2010 Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury models with no monthly subscription fees for the first three years of service, which is included with a new vehicle purchase.