Ford's SYNC Will Call 911

Justin Berkowitz
by Justin Berkowitz

Here's another feature to put in the category of cool stuff Ford offers that won't sell cars– alongside movable pedals, SYNC and a Tron-inspired keyless entry system. The Blue Oval Boyz are now offering subscription-free 911 service. If the SYNC system detects a crash, airbag deployment, emergency fuel cut off and so on, its automatically calls 911. Ford has contracted with the "National Emergency Number Association" to deal with the details. Although the system's unlikely to get anyone to darken the dealership door, props. The biggest bonus to this kind of service: the resell to existing owners. As any salesman will tell you, once someone survives totaling their newish car, they frequently go straight out and buy another one of the same. This is nice 'n all. But what we all want really is the EcoBoost twin turbo engine.

Justin Berkowitz
Justin Berkowitz

Immensely bored law student. I've also got 3 dogs.

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  • 50merc 50merc on Jun 18, 2008

    Much better idea than Ford's first attempt, back in the 70's, which involved using smoke signals to alert watchful emergency responders. It turned out Pintos would reliably ignite only when struck in the rear.

  • MattVA MattVA on Jun 19, 2008

    "another feature to put in the category of cool stuff Ford offers that won't sell cars– alongside movable pedals, SYNC" You don't think SYNC is helping to make the Focus the small care with the highest growth rate in sales? Yeah, it must be the front fender vents.

  • Justin Berkowitz Justin Berkowitz on Jun 19, 2008

    @MattVA: I think SYNC helps with Focus sales a bit. But what's really moving that car is the 35 MPG rating and $1500 in rebates.

  • GS650G GS650G on Jun 19, 2008

    The problem with Sync is soon everyone will have it, erasing Ford's advantage. If they developed it themselves it would have helped more.

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