Ford Drops Price of Sync by $100

Ford Motor Co. last week made hands-free, voice-controlled connectivity more affordable, announcing a $100 price drop for Ford Syne along with expanded availability by offering it as an option on base trim levels for the first time.

"Ford Sync is making a difference. Our customers love it and recommend it, and our dealers want it on more products," said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president for United States marketing, sales and service. "Sync already has brought hands-free, voice-activated in-car connectivity to millions, helping keep drivers' eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. Now, Ford is making it even easier for customers to afford exactly what they want."

The move marks the company's latest push to make voice control the primary and safest way for customers to access their favorite mobile devices while driving -- a capability more and more drivers are clamoring for, according to the Consumer Electronics Association.

In a 2010 study, the CEA found that 55 percent of smartphone owners, for example, prefer voice commands as their primary in-car user interface. Sync users agree, with internal Ford research showing more than 85 percent say they use voice controls while driving, up from 60 percent in previous studies.

This month, Ford became the first automaker to openly support the Safe Drivers Act of 2011, proposed federal legislation for a nationwide ban on the use of hand-held mobile devices while driving. To date, 10 states, including California and New York, have legally banned talking on a hand-held cellphone while driving, with many local municipalities also following suit enacting their own set of restrictions. Text messaging while driving is banned in 34 states.

"As the list of states banning hand-held calls and texting while driving continues to grow and legislators ponder a nationwide ban, Ford is strengthening its leadership position as the only full-line automaker with plans to offer available hands-free mobile device connectivity on 100 percent of its passenger vehicle lineup," said Czubay.

Sync has been installed already on more than 3 million vehicles since its debut in 2007.

The new pricing strategy makes Sync the most capable and most affordable in-car connectivity system in the industry. The new pricing will be available first on the 2012 Ford Explorer and Edge base models. Customers who opt for Sync will pay only $295 for the award-winning in-car connectivity system, previously priced at $395. In addition, Sync will now be available on all trim levels, including the base SE level. It will become standard at the SEL, Limited and Sport trim levels.

With the base Sync package, customers will enjoy the core hands-free features and services that have quickly established Sync as a must-have technology, with more than 76 percent of current Sync users saying they would recommend the system to other customers. Those features include hands-free, voice-activated calling via a Bluetooth-connected mobile phone, hands-free, voice-activated control of a USB-connected digital music player, 911 Assist automated emergency calling service that is free for the life of the vehicle and Vehicle Health Report, the on-demand diagnostic and maintenance information service.

In addition, customers who choose the base package will have the option to purchase a Sync Services subscription, which expands voice-controlled features to include a network of services. These include turn-by-turn directions, traffic reports, and business search information with available live operator assistance if needed. A Sync Services subscription costs only $60 a year, besting the telematics services offered by the competition.

Ford dealers are excited about the prospect of being able to offer Sync to a larger population of their customers.

James T. Seavitt, president of Village Ford in Dearborn, said he wouldn't be surprised to see those rates soar even higher with the new Sync pricing and base model availability. Seavitt admits that approximately 75 percent of the vehicles he currently sells have Sync.

"Customers frequently ask about Sync in our dealership as they continue to hear more about the benefits and convenience of hands-free connectivity while driving," Seavitt said. "This move from Ford will help dealers put more customers in Sync-equipped vehicles so they can experience why using their voice to control their favorite mobile devices in the car is a smarter choice."

On Edge and Explorer alone, Sync has already been a big hit on the showroom floor, with current take rates above 80 percent. With the new pricing strategy, Sync is now expected to be installed on more than 95 percent of models sold.

During the next three years, Ford will introduce the new Sync pricing and choice strategy across the entire North American Ford vehicle lineup.

Vehicles next in line after the 2012 Ford Explorer and Edge include the 2013 Ford Taurus, Focus, Escape and Flex.

More at www.ford.com