Ford is making the 2017 MY vehicles more appealing to those embracing fresh technology by bolstering the availability of its SYNC 3 connectivity platform.

Choosing a platform-centric approach, rather than going vehicle by vehicle, the SYNC 3 features new hardware and software for what the brand describes to be as “faster and more intuitive performance”, which allows users to connect their smartphones and access a variety of features, including hands-free phone calls and navigation.

“Ford is not taking the traditional approach of introducing Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto on a few piecemeal models or as an expensive option on luxury vehicles only. The guesswork for consumers is over – if you buy any 2017 Ford vehicle with SYNC 3, you drive off the lot with both of these innovative technologies ready to go“, said Jeffrey Hannah, Director of North America for global automotive technology research firm SBD.

Some of the apps available through SYNC AppLink are AccuWeather, AAA member services, Ford PASS, Pandora and Spotify, joined by Apple CarPlay, which is compatible with iPhone 5 and later models and allows drivers and passengers to access Siri voice controls, Apple Maps, Music, Phone Messages and third party apps, along with Android Auto, which can pair devices with Android 5.0 and higher.

Popular nameplates from the Blue Oval that have already moved into the 2017 MY are the Escape, Fusion and Explorer, while the F-150, Focus, Edge and Super Duty will arrive at dealerships by the end of this year.

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