Ford Motor Company confirmed the distribution and pricing strategy of Ford Sync, an advanced in-car communication and entertainment system developed in collaboration with Microsoft. Sync is a Ford-exclusive technology based on Microsoft Auto software which provides consumers the convenience and flexibility to bring digital media players — Apple iPods, Microsoft Zunes, and other MP3 players — and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones into their vehicle and operate the devices via voice commands or with the vehicle’s steering wheel or radio controls. With Ford Sync consumers will be able to use their voice to command their digital media players and Bluetooth mobile phones.
Ford Sync will be available on nearly all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products within two years. The launch will begin this fall, initially with the Ford Focus, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX. By the end of the year, Sync will be standard or available on the following 2008 model-year vehicles: On models where Sync is optional, it will be priced at $395.