Features
of MyFord Touch rank as some of the top purchase reasons for new
models, including the Ford Explorer and Edge, which both launched with
the system in late 2010. Specifically:
- Customer order rates for MyFord Touch have increased 5 percentage points heading into the new model year for both the Explorer and Edge, which were already at 79 and 72 per cent, respectively
- 56 per cent of new buyers said in owner surveys that SYNC and MyFord Touch were important to their purchase decision
Ford
continues to migrate MyFord Touch across its product line, including
into the new 2013 Ford Flex and Taurus reaching dealer showrooms this
spring. At the same time, Ford
also is launching a significantly upgraded version of MyFord Touch for
current owners that Ford and Microsoft engineers developed by listening
to owner, dealer and employee feedback.
“It is
gratifying to see that SYNC and MyFord Touch technology are driving
purchase consideration of new Ford cars, utilities and trucks and
helping our vehicles stand out
in the marketplace,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president for Ford
Global Product Development. “We are committed to continuous improvement
of these and other technologies and to continue delivering even more of
the products and technologies people truly
want.”
Customers are using the technology
Customers
don’t view this technology as just a checklist item when shopping for a
new vehicle; they are actually using it in their new Ford vehicles. A
survey of drivers of
2011 and 2012 model SYNC and MyFord Touch-equipped vehicles reported 91
per cent use of SYNC’s hands-free calling capability at least once a
month and 62 per cent use it on a daily basis. Eighty-five per cent use
wireless Bluetooth
audio streaming, with nearly half using it every day.
By
late 2011, 77 per cent of drivers with Ford SYNC said they were
regularly using voice commands to operate the system’s features, an
increase of 14 per cent from 2010.
Continuously improving the user experience
As capable and popular as MyFord Touch is now, the flexibility of the underlying SYNC software platform allows for regular updates and upgrades as the technology evolves.
“SYNC
has put us in a unique position to change customer expectations for
their ownership experience,” continues Kuzak. “As we continue to evolve
the technology for launch
on new products, we will incorporate improvements and new features,
listening to owner feedback on a regular basis and offering upgrades to
existing customers.”
While
MyFord Touch has been continuously improved with each successive vehicle
launch since 2010, Ford is now launching the first major software
upgrade with the 2013 Taurus
and Flex.
The
touch screen interface has been enhanced with simpler graphics and
bolder text that is easier to
use. The response time of the touch screen is now much faster so
drivers can tap controls and focus on driving. Already popular voice
controls now provide even better recognition so drivers can tell their
cars what to do, keeping their eyes on the road and
hands on the wheel.
In addition to
the simplified interface and faster performance,
Ford engineers added new features including
better phone compatibility, support for tablet computers and Audible audiobooks, improved navigation maps and destination entry.
The
upgraded system will roll out to all new 2013 models that offer MyFord
Touch, and the improved software will be offered to more than 43,000
current owners in Canada to
improve their driving experience even further.
For
current customers, Ford will begin mailing out MyFord Touch upgrade
packages later this month. The packages will include a USB flash drive
with the updated software, a
notification letter, detailed instructions for the 60-minute download,
and an updated user guide. Navigation-equipped vehicle owners also will
receive an updated SD card with all-new, updated map data.
If preferred, customers also bring their USB package to a Ford dealer for installation of the upgrade in their vehicle.