The Ford Sync, installed on over 3 million vehicles since it launched in 2007, is now available as a $295 option, down from $395. And Ford will offer the voice controlled radio in more autos.
Sync is now the “most capable and most affordable in-car connectivity system in the industry,” said the car maker.
The new pricing will hit first on the 2012 Ford Explorer and Edge base models. Next in line for the price reduction is the 2013 Ford Taurus, Focus, Escape and Flex. Sync will also now be available on all trim levels. For example it will be an option on the Edge SE, which did not offer the Sync previously. And it will be standard on the on the SEL, where it was an option previously.
The package will roll out to all U.S. models over the next 3 years.
“Sync already has brought hands-free, voice-activated in-car connectivity to millions, helping keep drivers’ eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. Now, Ford is making it even easier for customers to afford exactly what they want,” said Ford’s U.S. VP marketing, sales and service Ken Czubay.
By increasing the role of Sync in its cars, Ford says it is promoting safety. “As the list of states banning hand-held calls and texting while driving continues to grow and legislators ponder a nationwide ban, Ford is strengthening its leadership position as the only full-line automaker with plans to offer available hands-free mobile device connectivity on 100 percent of its passenger vehicle lineup,” said Czubay.
Ford was the first car maker to voice support for the Safe Drivers Act of 2011, which calls for a nationwide ban on the use of hand-held mobile devices while driving. To date, 10 states, including California and New York, have legally banned talking on a hand-held cellphone while driving, with many local municipalities also following suit. Text messaging while driving is banned in 34 states.
The Sync gives users voice-activated calling with a Bluetooth phone, and USB with voice control over the connected music player.
Customers may also order cloud services such as turn-by-turn directions, traffic reports, and business search information with available live operator assistance if needed. The fee is $60 per year.
Source: Ford
Hey guys, when I got to work today my quote of the day was: “If you aren’t making any mistakes, it’s a sure sign you’re playing it too safe.” – John Maxwell
Ford has been dominating this segment and continues to push the technology further with each generation. I’m not discounting the problems or that they (and Microsoft) could do better. To think they haven’t tested the new versions for potential issues before using it is naive…automakers are paranoid and anal about new features and potential liabilities associated with them. Whenever you’re on the cutting edge, there are going to be times you just won’t know what you don’t know. Cut them some slack for making this technology available on almost any model and most/all trim levels.
Many of our folks here at work migrated to iPhones for the first time maybe a year ago. Many of them had trouble because they found the phones to be confusing and complex at first. We even had a bad one (out of 15) which is a pretty high failure rate. I think it’s just accepted that when someone goes from a “regular” phone to a smart phone that there will be a learning curve and potential problems. A year later, there is almost universal love for the iPhone. Initially, I think you can just expect a certain percentage of problems, both user and quality, on anything that is on the cutting edge, but get with those same folks a year from now and you might find a little more love for the Sync/MyFord Touch too.
In closing, what other auto manufacturer is even close to this type of penetration today with a system this advanced? Isn’t that good for consumers in the long run? (Remember the article is about a nice price reduction.) Just imagine where they’ll be in 5 years. Love to hear your answer and comments.
I recall from the not too distant past that the OEMs used the aftermarket as a place to test ideas and perfect performance. Perhaps the folks at Ford might take a reminder and press their suppliers to do a better job in the aftermarket “introduce, test and refine” process. That might also give the aftermarket guys a bit of something new to talk about. BUT it wil take a good deal of business maturity to be the guy having to deal with less than perfectly performing and not quite robust products and the early adoptor consumers who buy same.
Ray Windsor
German Maestro
I agree 100% with Barry and have been saying the same for a long time. I deal with SYNC and MyTouch on a daily basis. In its basic form it is pretty awesome but when they add too many features it becomes too hard to understand for the average user. Also they keep working on new features before they have perfected the existing system. Get a grip Ford and hire some better software engineers.
There is no doubt that voice activated vehicle electronics control is the way of the future. But given recent reports of consumer complaints and frustration with Sync, it becomes another example of technology shooting itself in the foot. Perfect the system. THEN promote it heavily. Seems so simple, doesn’t it?