2013 Ford Flex, Fusion To Get Sync Standard

DEARBORN -- Ford Motor Co. announced Thursday that the 2013 Ford Fusion and Flex will get its voice-activated Sync system as standard equipment on all trim levels.

Sync, the in-car connectivity system introduced in 2007, now is installed in more than 4 million Ford Motor Co. vehicles.

Powered by the Microsoft Windows Embedded Automotive platform, Sync has created the "upgradeable car," allowing new features and improvements to be seamlessly integrated on a pace with consumer trends and preferences.

Every all-new Fusion from the base car through to the advanced plug-in Fusion Energi, as well as the redesigned Flex, will be equipped with Sync whether it has an entry-level audio system or top-of-the-line MyFord Touch interface. Compatible phones and media players can be connected to Sync through a standard USB port or wirelessly via Bluetooth.

Nine states have now completely banned the use of hand-held phones by drivers with at least 35 states prohibiting texting behind the wheel. At the same time, Americans are more connected than ever, with the mobile industry trade group CTIA estimating more than 300 million cell phones were in use in the United States by mid-2011.

Hands-free, voice-activated control of music playback and phone calls enables drivers to drive safer by keeping their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. With a connected mobile phone, drivers can also use Sync Services to get voice-activated access to a cloud-based network of information including traffic, news, sports, weather, horoscopes, stock quotes and movie listings along with business searches and turn-by-turn directions.

In the event of an accident, Sync 911 Assist can directly call emergency services and transmit the vehicle location to first responders.

Fusion and Flex drivers aren't limited to the Sync functionality that was built in when they bought the car. As new features are added to Sync, owners can visit SyncMyRide.com to download free updates to a USB flash drive that can be loaded into the car.

More at http://corporate.ford.com.