Ford Delivers Millionth SYNC Vehicle

Redmond, Wash. - May 26, 2009 - Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally (left) visits the Microsoft campus to deliver Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer's new 2010 Fusion Hybrid equipped with the 1 millionth Ford SYNC system. SYNC, which is powered by Microsoft Auto software, is Ford's fully-integrated, voice-activated in-car communications and entertainment system for mobile phones and digital music players.

It doesn’t seem all that long ago that Ford rolled out its SYNC technology, developed with Microsoft Corporation to provide drivers with a voice-activated communications and entertainment system like none other available on the road. Ford had an exclusive arrangement with Microsoft to deliver SYNC technology for one year, giving the automaker a leg up on its competition.

One Million SYNC Models Later

Just this past week, Ford rolled out its one millionth vehicle equipped with SYNC, a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid model which was delivered to Microsoft’s president, Steve Ballmer.

“We have made a commitment to deliver the vehicles that people really want and value,” Mulally said. “The success of SYNC is another proof point that we are doing just that. We will continue to innovate and expand the capability of SYNC by integrating even more new technologies that fit our customers’ lifestyles.”

SYNC Helped Ford Focus Sales

Last Spring, as gas prices began to climb, Ford took advantage of the technology by offering it in one of its most economical models, the Ford Focus. That combination of great sound and terrific fuel economy propelled Focus sales enabling the car to quickly become one of the top selling vehicles for 2008.

“Working with Microsoft and other key technology partners, we’ve made Ford the connectivity leader in the auto industry,” said Jim Buczkowski, director of electrical and electronic systems. “We do not plan to stand still; we have several additional developments in the pipeline, including launching SYNC in Europe and around the world.”

Moving Forward With SYNC

Although the proprietary licensing period with Microsoft has now ended, Ford’s edge in the arena of in-car communications is evident, something the automaker plans to build upon in the years ahead.

See Also — New Ford Shares Program Looming

Photo Credit: Ford Motor Company

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.