One of the hottest technological systems of 2007 was Ford's SYNC device controller. Developed with Microsoft, the Bluetooth-compatible SYNC system allows for mobile phones to be used hands-free and media devices to connect to in-vehicle audio and entertainment systems. Ford has announced that over 30,000 SYNC units were sold in 2007 and the automaker plans to sell over 1 million of the units by 2009. During the final quarter of last year, SYNC sales averaged approximately 10,000 per month.
Due in part to SYNC's success, Ford will be offering the system with new features on 85 percent of its vehicle lineup by the end of 2008. Among the vehicles to receive SYNC as a standard feature are the 2009 Lincoln MKS premium sedan and Navigator premium SUV. The 2009 Mercury Mariner and Mariner Hybrid SUVs will also receive SYNC.
Not content to stop there, Ford will also release an industry first with the launch of a new navigation system equipped with Sirius Travel Link -- a piggyback service that provides real-time information on gas prices, traffic reports, weather conditions, sports scores, movie theater locations, and more -- allowing drivers to remain connected with the information they need while they are on the go.
According to Ford, over 1 million Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles have been sold with Sirius satellite radio since 2005, and 23 vehicles offer satellite radio as a factory-installed option. No mention was given on availability of the new navigation system or how much it will cost.