American automobile manufacturer Ford Motor has announced new system investments and organizational alignments to offer fully integrated connected car and digital consumer experience.
The company will expand its SYNC AppLink system to 3.4 million more vehicles currently on the road.
Launched in 2010, SYNC AppLink enables vehicle owners to access and control smartphone apps including TuneIn, NPR and iHeartRadio via voice command.
It allows users to control over 60 smartphone mobile apps on both iOS and Android platforms enabling drivers to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel using the car's voice commands.
Currently running on more than 1 million vehicles, Ford will make this app available for another 3.4 million vehicles in 2014.
Lincoln MKC, a newly aligned organization, will manage connectivity across the entire enterprise for Ford.
Ford Motor global product development group vice president Raj Nair said: "With the rapid pace of mobile and digital innovation, our goal is to move the bar yet again, leveraging emerging technologies and the flexibility of the SYNC platform to enhance the ownership experience for customers."
The Connected Vehicle and Services group of Ford will work with the newly created Global Digital Marketing organization to help accelerate the goal of connecting customers to their vehicles.
