“Navigation systems have moved to the realm of automotive features consumers expect to find,” Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development said. “Harnessing the power of SYNC and the flexibility of our new MyFord system, we’re bringing an affordable, accessible, easy-to-update navigation system to millions of new consumers.”
The navigation system will be implemented via a Secure Digital (SD) card-based solution, with turn-by-turn directions with generic display icons and voice guidance standard via the Traffic, Directions & Information application.
MyFord, which uses two 4.2-inch full-color LCD screens (one in the instrument panel and another in the center stack), will be able to display turn arrows, street names and distance-to-turn information in addition to the already familiar voice guidance.
The new system, which will be unveiled at the 2010 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) will be at first fitted onto the Lincoln MKX crossover and than take to most of Ford's vehicles. Ford's SD will eliminate the need for optional factory navigation systems.
“Storing navigation information on an SD card installed in the Media Hub will be simpler and less expensive for customers and suppliers alike,” Jason Johnson, Ford user interface design engineer added.
"In the past, map data were stored on a hard drive and updates took a significant amount of time to load from DVD. To get a map update with MyFord, you simply take the old SD card out of the Media Hub and pop in a new one. It will be the first time an automaker will offer something that competes with personal navigation devices.”
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