Ford and AT&T are bringing high-speed connectivity to Ford SYNC and remote apps. SYNC Connect, Ford’s new high-speed connectivity technology, adds app conveniences to SYNC. Ford is introducing SYNC Connect in the United States and Canada this spring in the new Escape. It offers remote features, car locating, remote lock/unlock and remote start.
“Vehicle owners want the convenience that comes with being connected at home and on the go,” said Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president, Global Product Development and chief technical officer. “With SYNC Connect, we are able to provide features and services that make the car an even more seamless part of our customers’ connected lifestyles.”
With Ford SYNC Connect, Ford vehicle owners can:
- Remotely lock and unlock doors from anywhere.
- Use the built-in GPS system to locate their parked vehicle on a map.
- Remotely start the vehicle or schedule a start time.
- View vehicle information, including fuel and battery level and tire pressure readings.
SYNC Connect plays a key role in Ford’s connectivity strategy as part of Ford Smart Mobility, the plan to take Ford to the next level in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience, and data and analytics.
SYNC Connect debuts this spring on the new Ford Escape. After the initial rollout in North America, SYNC Connect is launching in global markets, adding another 10 million connected vehicles by 2020.
“Connected car services are an important feature to consumers,” said Chris Penrose, senior vice president, Internet of Things, AT&T Mobility. “We’re thrilled to expand our relationship with Ford to deliver an enhanced connected experience to more Ford drivers.”
Ford SYNC
Ford SYNC is the world’s leading in-car entertainment and communications system, with more than 15 million vehicles equipped with the technology on the road worldwide.
Launched in 2007, Ford SYNC was the industry’s first system to widely and most affordably offer voice-activated technology to control smartphones. New-generation SYNC 3 features faster performance, more conversational voice recognition, a smartphone-like touch screen and easier-to-understand graphical interface for a growing number of Ford vehicles in North America.
Building on industry leadership
Ford was the first U.S.-based automaker to build AT&T network service into its cars in 2011 with the introduction of MyFord® Mobile – a smartphone and Web-based connected experience that enables electric vehicle owners to remotely connect their smartphone with the car to manage charging.