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DEARBORN, Mich., July 25, 2016 – Ford is expanding its SYNC 3 connectivity platform – allowing compatibility of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – throughout its entire 2017 U.S. vehicle lineup of cars, SUVs, light trucks and electrified vehicles.
Ford, using its platform-centric approach – creating a technology for its lineup versus going vehicle by vehicle – has been able to swiftly roll out SYNC 3 plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And future, over-the-air updates via Wi-Fi will help ensure it keeps up with the latest technology.
“We developed one platform – SYNC 3 – and have been able to quickly offer the technology across our lineup,” said Chuck Gray, Ford Global Director, Electrical and Electronic Systems Engineering. “Customers considering a new vehicle can now choose any 2017 model year Ford car, SUV, light truck, or electrified vehicle with SYNC 3 and be able to access their favorite apps.”
Popular nameplates like the Escape, Fusion, Mustang and Explorer are already available as 2017 model-year vehicles at dealerships and others like the F-150, Focus, Edge and all-new 2017 Super Duty will arrive later this year.
“SYNC 3 is already a major leap forward in terms of functionality, simplicity, and user experience – Ford’s promise that every new model now ships ‘Smartphone-ready’ is huge,” said Jeffrey Hannah, Director of North America for global automotive technology research firm SBD. “Ford is not taking the traditional approach of introducing Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto on a few piecemeal models or as an expensive option on luxury vehicles only. The guesswork for consumers is over – if you buy any 2017 Ford vehicle with SYNC 3, you drive off the lot with both of these innovative technologies ready to go.”
As part of Ford’s effort to present convenient, easy-to-use mobility solutions, SYNC 3 features all-new hardware and software for faster and more intuitive performance and more conversational voice recognition to help people easily connect to their smartphone and access a variety of features, including hands-free phone calls and available navigation.
Apps such as Spotify, Pandora, Ford PASS, AccuWeather and AAA member services have been added through SYNC AppLink®.
Compatible with iPhone 5 and later models, CarPlay provides a simplified way to use your iPhone interface on a car’s touch screen, giving users access to Siri voice controls, as well as Apple Maps, Apple Music, Phone, Messages, and a variety of third party apps.
Android Auto is available on devices with Android 5.0 and higher and similarly delivers Google Maps and music to a car’s screen while enabling voice controls for phone calls and messaging.
Apple, Apple CarPlay, iPhone, Apple Maps, and Siri are trademarks of Apple Inc. Android Auto, Google, Google Play and other marks are trademarks of Google Inc.
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 174,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.