Ahead of the LA auto show, Ford has announced an updated Sync Connect system, a new LTE based service will be available somewhere in 2017. The new Escape is debuting next week at LA auto show. The majority of Ford cars sold in the USA, already has internet connectivity via Wi-Fi system, but LTE services will introduce some new features to already connected cars.
The all new LTE services will offer new phone based apps, remote locking and unlocking system, remote start and stop system, overall engine health check system and vehicle location detection system. Drivers will be able to find their cars in large parking lots. Some of the Ford vehicles offer mobile network connectivity, where Lincoln and plug-in hybrid models are in the lead.
This system deployment will be much broader than all the previous advancements. It has been decided that the new Escape will be the flagship model for this new technology because it is very much a mainstream model in Ford’s car line-up. The LTE connectivity will not be limited to the Escape models, but other models will also follow the trend.
Ford’s director of connected vehicle services, Don Butler, says that Ford has plans to make the technology more common by broadly introducing it on more vehicles. This announcement is a beginning of a new era of connected mobility and it will likely be available in the 2017 models.
For now, Ford has announced the new LTE technology for U.S. markets only and they have no plans to introduce it in Europe and other regions. The system will be hosted by the AT&T LTE connectivity services and there will be a new app for Android and iOS users.
You will be amazed that it will be free for everyone for first five years and after those five years, Ford hasn’t confirmed any pricing plans.