Ford, Microsoft Roll Out New SYNC Features

One of the best partnerships the Ford Motor Company has forged over the past few years is its relationship with the Microsoft Corp. Working together the two companies developed SYNC, an in dash computer system offering hands free entertainment and information for drivers.

Ford signed on with Microsoft for an exclusive one year deal in 2007 and that first year gave the automaker a head start over the competition. Since then, companies like Hyundai have also teamed up with Microsoft to create their own system, while SYNC remains proprietary for Ford.

At last week’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Ford and Microsoft took the wraps off of several new SYNC features. Now, SYNC offers a bevy of helpful features including:

• 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.

Ford says that 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.

Compared to competing plans the three year trial period is three times as long as what GM offers with OnStar and what Toyota will be offering with its new system, Lexus EnForm and Toyota Safety Connect, when they roll out late this summer.

Ford also showcased the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, an all new model that will go on sale this spring.

The Fusion Hybrid has been receiving a lot of attention lately, most notably for its projected high fuel economy numbers. The EPA projects that the Fusion Hybrid will get 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The city figure is 8 mpg higher than the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the model that Ford has in its crosshairs when marketing the all new Fusion.