Ford: New Sync in-car connectivity system to debut on 2015 Mustang

Ford says the new SYNC AppLink, which Ford announced Tuesday at the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, is developed to offer simpler menus, enhanced voice control and a host of new features and apps.

DEARBORN, MI- Ford Motor Co.’s next-generation in-car connectivity system will debut in the U.S. later this year in the 2015 Mustang.

Ford says the new Sync AppLink, which Ford announced Tuesday at the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, is developed to offer simpler menus, enhanced voice control and a host of new features and apps.

“Ford led the industry in giving drivers the ability to control their smartphone apps on the go with the introduction of Sync AppLink in 2010,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, global product development, in a statement. “We are now making the in-vehicle app experience simpler and more intuitive to further help drivers keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.”

Ford’s system, which was originally developed with Microsoft Corp., has received criticism for being overly complicated and confusing drivers.

The next-generation of Ford's SYNC AppLink in-car connectivity system will debut at the 2015 Ford Mustang.Ford

As an example, Ford said drivers can launch apps on their mobile device more quickly by pressing the voice button on the steering wheel and just saying the name of the app without having to say the command "Mobile applications" first.

Ford unveiled the new Mustang last month as part of a six-city, four-continent global unveiling.

The 2015 Mustang, which marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic pony car, should go into production by mid-next year at its Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan and be available in U.S. showrooms in fall 2014. 

The new system announcement is part of an array of announcements from Ford and other automakers at CES, which has become increasingly important for automakers to attend.

The market for telematics services provided by auto manufacturers in North America is expected to increase from 11.8 million subscribers in 2012 to 31.6 million in 2016, according to a study from market research analyst group Frost & Sullivan.