MyFord Touch Defines Intuitive Driver Experience: Advanced Capabilities All Voice-Controlled Now

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

• New MyFord Touch((TM)) driver connect technology redesigns the driver's interface with the car, matching modern consumer electronics screens and controls that have become the standard for ease of use and rich graphic displays

• The new technology organizes functions and settings with minimal menu layering for quick access - including personalization of relevant information to minimize driver distraction

• MyFord Touch interface and graphics are powered by the next generation of Ford SYNC®, built on the latest version of the Microsoft Auto platform. Advances include improved voice recognition, more connectivity ports with SD card slot and WiFi capability

• Lincoln to receive MyLincoln Touch technology as standard equipment on future models beginning this year with the 2011 Lincoln MKX

The new MyFord Touch driver connect technology announced today at the 2010 International CES is designed to be powerful yet intuitive for drivers, blending strengths of the most proven interfaces in consumer electronics - including MP3 players and mobile phones - with a new generation of Ford's award-winning SYNC system.

"MyFord Touch, combined with new SYNC functionality, creates an experience that will cause people to fall in love with their vehicles again," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. "It's not just a technology; it's an experience - one we hope will have people across the globe looking forward to spending time behind the wheel of their vehicle."

MyFord, which will be branded MyLincoln Touch and MyMercury Touch on respective Lincoln and Mercury brand products, redesigns the in-car interface, mirroring how consumers interact with most devices in their lives: touch-sensitive buttons, touch screens, thumb-wheel controls and voice recognition.

In that respect, MyFord is instantly familiar. Using reconfigurable displays and simplified voice commands, though, MyFord also can present multiple layers of information, just as the driver wants it.

MyFord Touch retains the traditional interior layout that has existed for decades - instrument cluster in front of the driver, center stack dividing the dashboard - and adds even more voice control plus full-color LCD screens for much of the visual information presentation. The information presented is customizable by the driver using a combination of voice controls, touch-screen technology and five-way cell phone-style buttons mounted on the steering wheel.

Two 4.2-inch full-color LCD screens flank an analog speedometer, and an 8-inch touch-screen LCD resides at the top of the center stack. A five-way switch on each side of the steering wheel crossbar - similar to that found on most mobile phones and MP3 players - controls the information displayed on the corresponding instrument panel screens.

The 8-inch touch-screen center stack display is the key interface on MyFord Touch. Designers employed a four-corner solution for its layout, representing the four activities most important to customers: phone, navigation, climate and audio/entertainment functions.

With the four-corner layout, functions are where they're expected to be, and they're always visible on the screen, so it's clear and easy for users to understand where they are in the system.

Color is also used to give drivers intuitive visual cues between the central 8-inch MyFord Touch display and the instrument panel-mounted 4.2-inch display.

Behind the displays of MyFord Touch driver connect technology, the next generation of Ford's award-winning SYNC system runs the show. SYNC becomes a fully integrated operating system for Ford vehicles with MyFord - a technology that will become the global interior architecture for all future Ford products.

Built using Microsoft Auto 4.0, the second generation of SYNC has been designed from the outset to be expandable, allowing it to grow and add new features without requiring new hardware. By employing a Media Hub for interfacing with external devices and media, Ford helps ensure compatibility with future hardware innovations.

The system also has been configured for global deployment, using one hardware package in all regions worldwide. The identical global SYNC hardware will be outfitted with branding, languages and regionally appropriate applications while the host vehicle is on the assembly line, all using WiFi technology.

MyFord technology will not be exclusive to high-end products. As new and refreshed Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models continue to arrive on the world stage, all will be outfitted with an implementation of MyFord driver connect technology.

More information

For full press release text and additional support information, images and video, click here to visit the MyFord Touch media mini-site.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 200,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company