Skip advert
Advertisement

CES 2016: Updates for Ford SYNC 3 & tripling of autonomous fleet

Ford reveals Apple CarPlay tech for SYNC 3 system at CES, plus more plans for autonomous cars

Ford self driving car

Ford will be on the offensive this year, with the Focus RS, GT supercar and Edge SUV among the UK debuts. Plus, the Blue Oval will also be releasing brand new tech in the form of its 'SYNC 3' touchscreen infotainment system and expanding its autonomous car testing fleet.

Advertisement - Article continues below

At this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Ford boss Mark Fields announced a handful of updates for the third-generation SYNC system. It'll bring a host of new features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, plus the ability to check fuel levels and other data from a smartphone app.

It'll even be able to connect to smart home devices – so you could ask it to turn the lights on at home, and with the right tech installed in your house, the lamps will be on when you pull up on the driveway.

Fields also announced that Ford will be tripling its autonomous car fleet this year, taking the number of self-driving hybrid test vehicles being used across the US to 30. He did not address rumours of a partnership with Google, but hinted that chatter about Ford's autonomous tech should probably be disregarded.

SYNC 3 is already available on some models in the US, but it's expected to debut on this year's Edge SUV in the UK after its launch in the summer. It will then roll out across most of the range, with the Kuga, Mondeo and Focus the next recipients.

The redesigned interface is clearer and easier to use, according to Ford. Most models fitted with it will likely be offered with both a capacitive touchscreen and buttons. But the biggest selling point will be full integration with your smartphone, allowing music streaming, full location services and improved voice recognition on the move. We'll get our chance to try Ford's new SYNC tech when we drive the new Edge later in the year.

Get all the latest from CES 2016 here...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Radical Honda 0 SUV prototype makes public debut, and you’ll never guess who was driving
Honda 0 SUV prototype being driven by Max Verstappen - front

Radical Honda 0 SUV prototype makes public debut, and you’ll never guess who was driving

The new electric SUV will be pivotal to Honda’s future, and is due to go into production next year
News
3 Apr 2025
New Kia PV5 teaser images tell us it will look very different to its electric van rivals
Kia PV5 teaser - front

New Kia PV5 teaser images tell us it will look very different to its electric van rivals

Latest pictures show the Kia PV5 will bring concept looks to the commercial vans class as it gears up for unveiling this month
News
13 Feb 2025
Modern car tech can do all sorts of things, if you’re willing to give up your privacy
Opinion - car tech privacy

Modern car tech can do all sorts of things, if you’re willing to give up your privacy

Are our cars becoming a bit too nosy? Editor Paul Barker shares his concerns
Opinion
15 Jan 2025
Hyundai unveils world's first holographic windscreen
Hyundai Mobis ‘Holographic Windshield Display’

Hyundai unveils world's first holographic windscreen

Vast head-up display that stretches entire width of windscreen revealed at CES and could be in production by 2027
News
10 Jan 2025

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025