Ford to introduce SYNC add-ons

Mumbai: Ford Motors has introduced an affordable, dealer-installed SYNC accessory kit, which can be fitted on the multi-function console  2008 Navigator and Navigator L. The add-on system is fully integrated, functional and upgradeable to support future SYNC features and functions and can be installed in less than two hours.

Additional features include the award-winning voice-activated communications system that works with most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players.

The accessory kit, consists of the SYNC module and related hardware and is priced under $550, which includes installation charges.

The system uses the existing steering wheel button controls and voice-activation functionality connected with the navigation system, eliminating the need for an add-on HMI or microphone to operate SYNC. Once installed, the retrofit SYNC system is fully integrated. The hardware is hidden and the system is totally seamless to the customer.

SYNC communication system is a platform for smarter, easily upgradeable in-car connectivity and Ford is moving beyond the music and the mobile phone to master technologies that will also connect customers with the real-time information and services that they want and value while on the road.

The car maker plans to add 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Reports to SYNC's connectivity inventory in future.911 Assist is a free-of-charge accident assistance feature. When a phone is properly paired, turned on and connected to SYNC - which is designed to happen every time the driver enters the vehicle with his or her cell phone - the system, if equipped with the 911 Assist feature, will be ready to place a call to a local 911 emergency operator should an air bag-deploying accident occur.

The Vehicle Health Report (VHR) function allows customers the ability to stay up to speed with their vehicle's maintenance needs. Through the SYNC web site (www.syncmyride.com), customers can set up personal preferences for VHR. Once established, a confidential report can be requested at any time, at no cost, using simple voice commands.

Ford SYNC, developed with Microsoft, connects people and their portable devices in the vehicle, including media players and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones. The technology is available on more than 100,000 SYNC-equipped vehicles on 12 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles and is on track to reach one million sales in early 2009.

Ford is  planning to introduce the system on the all-new Ford Flex and F-150 as well.