Ford wires up two millionth Sync system
 

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When Ford's Sync infotainment system went live in late 2007, the technology looked promising to us but we weren't ready to bet the farm that customers were going to adopt it in large numbers. Two and a half years later, Ford and partner Microsoft are celebrating the two millionth Sync system installed, which happened to go into a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The rate of Sync adoption is increasing over time too, as the two millionth unit was installed less than one year after Ford hit one million Sync-equipped vehicles sold.

While Ford has increased the availability of Sync in its vehicles at a torrid pace, the big question is whether customers really like the tech. The automaker says feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with 80 percent of potential customers saying Sync improves their overall image of the company, while 70 percent say it makes them more likely to purchase a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury. Further, Ford says 87 percent of customers who use Sync are satisfied with how the system works and 88 percent would recommend the purchase of a vehicle with SYNC to others.

Sync is also making a difference on the used car lot, as Ford claims one-year-old vehicles equipped with the technology sell for $240 more than Ford without it. After two years, Sync-equipped vehicles are still worth $200 more. Part of the reason Sync is helping residual values is that Ford and Microsoft continue to improve the system. Upgrades like 911 Assist, Vehicle Health Report, iTunes tagging for HD radio and Traffic, Directions & Information (TDI) make Sync a great deal at $395. Hit the jump to read over Ford's understandably brag-infested press release.



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