Microsoft CEO gets 1,000,000th Ford with SYNC
One Millionth SYNC: Click above to view the high-res gallery
Ford and SYNC have combined to be the peanut butter and jelly of automotive tech combo deals. 80% of the vehicles Ford sells now has the infotainment system, helping the Blue Oval and Microsoft reach 1 million sales of the infotainment system in less than two years.
Since Microsoft created the SYNC software, it has just as much reason to celebrate its success as Ford. Microsoft CEO and Detroit native Steve Ballmer decided the best way to celebrate was to get his hands on SYNC vehicle number 1 million; a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The 41 mpg sedan was delivered by none other than Ford CEO Alan Mulally.
Mulally reiterated his support of SYNC, saying that Ford would "continue to innovate and expand the capability of SYNC by integrating even more new technologies that fit our customers' lifestyles." SYNC already interfaces with navigation and entertainment systems, and 911 Assist helps call emergency services in the event of an accident. SYNC will receive further updates this summer when it gains the ability to deliver traffic, directions and information services. Hit the jump to view the Ford press release, and check out the gallery below to see Mulally deliver a 2010 Fusion Hybrid to the Microsoft CEO.
Gallery: One Millionth SYNC
[Source: Ford]
PRESS RELEASE:
* SYNC hits million unit milestone; now offers 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Reports
* Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer takes delivery of a 2010 Fusion Hybrid, America's most fuel-efficient midsize car
* Purchase by Microsoft CEO underscores positive partnership of two powerhouse brands, Ford and Microsoft, joining forces to deliver affordable products consumers want
SEATTLE, May 26, 2009 – The popularity of Ford SYNC® reached a new milestone today, as Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally delivered Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer his new 2010 Fusion Hybrid equipped with the 1 millionth SYNC system, which is powered by Microsoft Auto software.
"We have made a commitment to deliver the vehicles that people really want and value," Mulally said. "The success of SYNC is another proof point that we are doing just that. We will continue to innovate and expand the capability of SYNC by integrating even more new technologies that fit our customers' lifestyles."
SYNC is Ford's fully integrated, voice-activated, in-car communications and entertainment system for mobile phones and digital music players. Since its debut in 2007 on the Ford Focus, SYNC has continued to gain in popularity. More than 80 percent of the vehicles Ford sells in North America are equipped with the system.
Like other advanced hardware and software solutions, SYNC continues to expand its applications. In 2008, SYNC was upgraded with two new applications, Vehicle Health Report and 911 Assist™, and more are on the way.
Ford's latest SYNC application, Traffic, Directions and Information, will be available for download this summer. It will provide simple hands-free access to personalized traffic reports, precise driving directions and up-to-date information including business listings, news, sports scores and weather.
"Working with Microsoft and other key technology partners, we've made Ford the connectivity leader in the auto industry," said Jim Buczkowski, director of electrical and electronic systems. "We do not plan to stand still; we have several additional developments in the pipeline, including launching SYNC in Europe and around the world."
The 1 millionth SYNC equipped vehicle, a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, is only fitting, because the all-new sedan is the new benchmark in midsized sedans. The 2010 Fusion Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient midsize car in America, with a certified 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, topping the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Sea Urchin 10:04AM (5/28/2009)
Mr. Stiff meet Mr. Stiff
Reply
Steve 10:21AM (5/28/2009)
I'd be stiff too if I had their $$$ in my bank account! :)
Venom 10:42AM (5/28/2009)
Right after this they played a game of golf and then got some hookers, lol.
James 12:29PM (5/28/2009)
With CEO Ballmer getting a freebie Fusion Hyb with SYNC from Mullaly, does this mean dear old Gates is "out of SYNC", literally....
:p
Erik 1:18PM (5/28/2009)
"Purchase by Microsoft CEO underscores "
No Freebees from Ford here.
James 1:25PM (5/28/2009)
@Erik
Ah, missed the non freebie part there...
Nevertheless, Gates is still "out of SYNC" though.. ;-)
joe23521 1:30PM (5/28/2009)
In return, Mr. Mulally received a copy of the Home Basic version Windows Vista with Service Pack 2.
Randy 1:15PM (5/29/2009)
@joe23521
ROFL Nice
Aloysius Vampa 10:05AM (5/28/2009)
SYNC! SYNC! SYNC! SYNC! SYNC!
Reply
DiRF 10:52AM (5/28/2009)
Of course, we wouldn't have the SYNC technology without
DEVELOPERS! DEVELOPERS! DEVELOPERS! DEVELOPERS! DEVELOPERS! DEVELOPERS! DEVELOPERS! DEVELOPERS!
tifosiotaku 12:06PM (5/28/2009)
I wish I could vote you two up to four stars...
Dave 2:11PM (5/28/2009)
I was hoping someone would say it! I'm picturing Steve jumping up and down around Mulally while screaming in fits of joy.
nighttime__ 10:06AM (5/28/2009)
Lunging handshaker likes to lunge while handshaking
Reply
DesiAuto 10:08AM (5/28/2009)
I personally don't know anyone who owns a vehicle with SYNC in it, but would love to hear from someone here at AB who uses it on daily basis.
---
In any case, if it sells vehicles, good for Ford.
Reply
drtwofish 10:46AM (5/28/2009)
I have it in my '09 Escape - it's a really impressive system. I still try not to talk on the phone and drive, but it is extremely useful for ipod navigation - seems to be much safer than having to look at the device. The voice recognition is very good, and it'll even read incoming text messages to you. I wasn't sold on it at first (probably wouldn't even have ordered it in the car), but I like it very much now.
CB 1:08PM (5/28/2009)
I was thinking/wondering the same thing.
Thanks for the honest opinion.
Cam 3:39PM (5/28/2009)
I got the system in my '09 Fusion and I've loved it from the start. It was actually one of the options that helped swayed me to Ford (that and the $30 difference in monthly payments between the Fusion and Malibu). Occasionally you run into problems with it, a freeze here and there, the phone goes into privacy mode for no apparent reason and won't come out of it. But all in all, I'm very happy with it and can't wait to get to my dealer to upgrade to 2.0. In all seriousness, between the product that Ford is putting out lately and this, I could be a Ford customer for a while.
idave101 10:24PM (5/28/2009)
honestly for the technophile, it is AWESOME! Yes it is from msft... but the product just works. Sync's (pun not intended) with every device I have tried. Have an Ipod... works... Have a zune... works.. just have a USB drive... works. Bluetooth phone...works. Audio commands are almost flawless. Seriously, check it out. It will make you beg your next manufacturer to also use it.
KIB2 10:08AM (5/28/2009)
I GOT THE EURO VERSION!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEY5wycJtIE
Reply
Wobbly_ears 10:12AM (5/28/2009)
Ya know, before all Apple fanbois come on making fun of Ballmer, I want to point out one thing.
Seeing how rich he is, he still buys Ford cars, as his father was an old Detroit hand. That's some loyalty.
How many ABers can say that?
Reply