Ford Wants to Sync Your Ride

Synchronize for Safety
"Sync is what today's generation and today's drivers demand in connectivity," says Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, product development, Ford Motor Company. "Not only does it offer hands-free phone operation and iPod, Zune or MP3 player connectivity, it's built on a software platform that is upgradeable and will allow us to offer new features by simply upgrading the software."


Upgrades will become available through dealerships or on the www.syncmyride.com website. Ford has an exclusive deal with Microsoft for the auto system through 2008. Asked if any other automakers were interested in the program, Microsoft said every single major automaker has expressed interest in the system.


Safety experts may not look upon Sync as a great leap forward, but the reality is that drivers are text messaging and dialing in traffic or fiddling with iPods or Zunes whether state laws say they can or cannot. The hands-free approach of the Sync system means that can at least keep their eyes on the road while dialing and driving and fits with most state laws that allow hands free phone use. The more intricate Sync processes—like "pairing" a phone will not work while the car is in motion.


According to Ford, over 80 percent of U.S. households use cell phones, and 60 million digital music devices have been sold—a 50 percent increase from 2005. Nearly 60 percent of people aged 18 to 24 own at least one media player. Ford research shows that over 70 percent of new car buyers are looking for the ability to use digital media players in their new cars.