Today In Detroit Rivalries: Ford Takes Dealer Lead, Chevy Takes On SYNC

by Edward Niedermeyer

February 17th, 2011 8:14 PM

today in detroit rivalries ford takes dealer lead chevy takes on sync

Wards Auto reports that Ford now has more dealerships than Chevrolet “for the first time in years.” Not that this is a sign of growth on Ford’s part… it simply cut fewer dealerships (62) last year than Chevy, which wiped out some 372 at the behest of the government and its consultants. Chevy, meanwhile, has struck back at Ford by offering its version of Ford’s SYNC system… some 3 years after Ford built the only real brand in what is now the crowded field of in-car connectivity options. Of course, Chevy hasn’t released a date or price for MyLink sales, but at this point, what’s the rush? Besides, Ray LaHood is going to really roll up his sleeves and take on the “epidemic” of distracted driving any minute now… right?

#DealerNews #Gizmology

Comments

Join the conversation

9 of 32 comments

PennSt8 on Feb 18, 2011

I haven't had any seat time in any of GM's offerings as of late, but I'm sure this tech is way overdue for each and every one of its brands. You know if consumers actually took the time to aquaint themselves with that book that came with their car when they bought it, also known as the owner's manual, most people wouldn't gripe about the complexity of new tech. Case and point......my other half. The other day we were heading out to dinner, and had no idea where we were going. I simply punched the voice command button on the steering wheel, spit out the address, confirmed and voila! I look over to a dumbfounded look, and then I get this response, "Wow, I didn't know you could do that". This coming from someone who has owned the car from 9 months. Or you could just pawn it off on people being a little slow upstairs

Like Reply
- See 1 previous
- Zackman on Feb 18, 2011
  "You know if consumers actually took the time to aquaint themselves with that book that came with their car when they bought it, also known as the owner’s manual". Yes, that's the other problem! Great point that I missed
  
  Like
- Tankinbeans on Feb 18, 2011
  
  I'm so nuts about RTFM that I end up reading manuals for other peoples' cars whenever I drive them and have a few minutes. On my brother's car I figured out that he could lock the truck so that it couldn't be opened except with the key (automatic trunk release) because I got bored and read the manual.
  
  Like
Kurtamaxxguy on Feb 18, 2011

I've grown up with computer technology but found the My Sync system a royal pain to use and downright dangerous to make choices in a hurry. This GM version doesn't seem any more promising. Come on, engineers, please remember we drivers sometimes wear __gloves__ when in a car, often have big fingers and don't want to wade through 5 menus just to turn on a defroster !!

Like Reply
- Tankinbeans on Feb 18, 2011
  
  "...we drivers sometimes wear __gloves__ when in a car..." Couldn't agree more. I like having huge buttons and the "Playskool-like" buttons in my Grand Prix (as referenced in the review from a couple years ago) are wonderful when I have my gloves on and am trying to punch a button when it's -20 outside. I also know exactly where everything is and don't need to remove my eyes for even a second.
  
  Like
Z71_Silvy on Feb 18, 2011
some 3 years after Ford built the only real brand in what is now the crowded field of in-car connectivity options. Ford stole the idea from FIAT. Fiat had what is now SYNC before Ford did. but I have a 2008 Explorer with Sync and it is awful. And the new ones are no better. Ford is rushing this technology to the market without giving it adequate thought or testing. SYNC is a joke...my cell phone has better voice recognition and the MyFordTouchy thingy has been a disaster. You need a 45 minute session just to change the temperature. One analogy I read in a review is that the traditional three-knob HVAC controls are like the modern wheel. Brilliantly easy to use and in no need of a redesign. What Ford did with their touch thingy is take the modern wheel, make it a square, and tell you that it's better because it's different and 'fresh'.....when in reality, it was a MAJOR step backwards. Ford needs to spend a tad more time at the drawing board getting all of these bugs worked out and a bit less time writing arrogant, misleading, chest-thumping press releases. They might actually do something good for a change.

Like Reply
- Silvy_nonsense on Feb 18, 2011
  
  "Ford stole the idea from FIAT. Fiat had what is now SYNC before Ford did." If you understood the systems better, you'd understand your statement is not correct. The underlying operating system is common, but the look and feel, touch interfaces and the applications that define the SYNC user experience were developed by Ford or Ford's contracted partners exclusively for Ford's use. FIAT Blue&me and Ford SYNC may share the same "engine", but they don't compare overall. The Focus and the Transit Connect both use a 2.0L Duratec engine, but they are not "the same". Ford SYNC comes in several versions with Ford SYNC with MyTouch at the top. Comparing the basic version in a 2008 Explorer with today's top of the line SYNC with MyTouch is like comparing a two year old 2WD Canyon utility pickup with vinyl seats to a new Sierra 1500 Denali 4WD crew cab. Despite being similar in a broad way, they clearly aren't the same, so comparing them as if they should be equal is a dumb maneuver. While GM and Chrysler were standing around picking their noses, Ford worked hard for years, made significant headway and achieved notable success in the marketplace with SYNC. Mentioning that isn't arrogance, it's stating the facts. It's not Ford's job to tone down their success story because it makes GM fanboys mad.
  
  Like
Zackman on Feb 18, 2011

I must really be in a world of my own, I have the AM radio on 700 WLW for traffic reports about that stupid I-75 I wrestle with every day, or rarely, pop in a CD. Most of the time, however, I drive in silence (relatively). Now, if I had internet radio for the station I do listen to all day at work and at home, my habits would change, if the price was right! I'm not buying a "smart" phone, either. My basic Nokia Fold does everything my wife wants it to do, namely, have a leash (or lifeline) on me! I'm not being old-fashioned or grumpy, I just don't feel the need to be entertained 24/7. Solitude, whenever I can find it brings me peace and retains what sanity I have left. By The Way...I'd like to know how many of you are offended by "gas station music" piped through the pump's tinny, distorted speakers while you fill your tank? I want to pull my hair out and kick something really hard!

Like Reply
- SimonAlberta on Feb 18, 2011
  
  Zackman, Your comment on sanity is a very important one. I have come to believe that the propensity for people to be constantly "wired in" allows them to be better informed, possibly, but can lead to a tendency to be less thoughtful about their lives and the world around them. I believe to function optimally humans need plenty of contemplative time. For me, driving without radio etc. playing is one opportunity for a mental re-charge.
  
  Like