Ford SYNC Upgraded with Traffic, Shortcuts, Directions

It's a well known the fact that most automakers are now struggling to design new and more fuel-efficient engines that could attract a higher market share than what they get with the units already available to customers. However, Ford says it has found an unique way to improve fuel economy and, at the same time, to help drivers save time and reach a certain destination quickly and easily: a couple of new SYNC features set to arrive on SYNC-equipped models in late 2009.

SYNC is a communication and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft which allow drivers to stay up to date with various information regarding the road and the driver. From now on, the service is also capable of providing traffic details, driving directions with real-time traffic info plus news on specific topics, such as sports, weather and entertainment.

“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.”

The new traffic function provides traffic speed, incident information (compatible with 95 markets nationwide) plus a set of new alerts regarding road conditions through a text message sent to the user's mobile phone or any other working device.

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

The new service comes with no monthly subscription fees for the first three years, Ford said in a statement for the press, with SYNC sales expected to top 1 million in 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.”