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

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
Suzuki Jimny transformed into driverless delivery van
Applied EV Suzuki Jimny - front (with cargo)

Suzuki Jimny transformed into driverless delivery van

Customisable autonomous vehicle is based on the go-anywhere 4x4, but that doesn’t mean a Jimny EV is on the way
News
8 Jan 2025

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
BMW M5 Touring - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal

The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 29 June
News
29 Jun 2025
Electric car appeal is at its lowest since 2019
Opinion - Kia EV9 GT

Electric car appeal is at its lowest since 2019

From poor electric car sales to crashes in F1, Mike Rutherford thinks its been a crazy few weeks in the automotive world
Opinion
29 Jun 2025
Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025