SYNC Accelerates Into 2013 As Standard Equipment On New Ford Fusion And Flex

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 9, 2012

• 2013 Ford Fusion and Flex get SYNC® as standard equipment on all trim levels
• Ford SYNC, the voice-activated in-car connectivity system introduced in 2007, now is installed in more than 4 million Ford Motor Company 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

Drivers of more than 4 million vehicles already take advantage of mobile device connectivity provided by Ford SYNC®, which is available as either optional or standard equipment on every new Ford sold in North America. That population is set to grow even more for 2013 as the all-new Ford Fusion and Flex get SYNC as standard equipment.

Since its debut in 2007, SYNC has been recognized as the industry-leading system for connecting mobile phones and media players and enabling hands-free use through a simple and reliable voice-control system.

"Ford SYNC technology has led the industry in transforming the way we connect to our cars," said Dave Mondragon, Ford general marketing manager. "SYNC has enabled Ford drivers to take advantage of the latest communication and entertainment technology with an easily upgradeable architecture that is friendly to use."

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.