Ford announced during the Connected Car Expo at the LA Auto Show that the new Escape will be the first Ford vehicle in the world with available SYNC Connect apps for remote functions on smartphones for five years.
SYNC Connect makes its global debut in the spring in the new Ford Escape, with other vehicles to follow. The app is connected to a built-in modem in the vehicle – allowing owners to remotely access features via their smartphones.
Vehicle features SYNC Connect users can remotely access are:
- Lock and unlock
- Remote start, including scheduling a future start: You need to leave at 8 a.m., so you program a remote start for 7:50 a.m., then get in to a running, warm car and drive away comfortably and on time
- Vehicle status, including fuel, oil and battery levels, along with tire pressure readings
- Vehicle location – where your car is parked is displayed on a map
Owners enable SYNC Connect through a two-step authentication process to protect personal information, confirming setup on the vehicle touch screen and on the mobile application.
Ford previously deployed Wi-Fi via mobile hotspot agreement to update its software. 4G LTE covers more areas.
SYNC Connect comes with complimentary service from Ford for five years.
Ford SYNC is now in 12 million vehicles world-wide. The new-generation SYNC 3 features fast performance, conversational voice recognition, smartphone-like touchscreen, and easy-to-understand graphical interface for a growing number of Ford vehicles in North America.