Section B
Ford adds smartphone apps to SYNC
SHOP TALK
SHOP TALK
Ford is building on its SYNC technology
with an AppLink software that will allow hands-free voice control of popular smart- phone applications.
SYNC AppLink, a downloadable soft-
ware upgrade, being released for the 2011 Ford Fiesta later this year, allows drivers hands-free control of apps on their Android or BlackBerry smartphones via voice com- mands and vehicle controls.
The system is specifically aimed at the
Android Market and BlackBerry App World are among the leading growth markets for mobile apps. The new SYNC AppLink will seamlessly integrate apps using the vehicle’s voice and user interface controls, including buttons on the steering wheel, increasing eyes-on-the-road and hands-on- the-wheel time.
April 28 - May 4, 2010
SMALL?
The first SYNC-enabled apps available
later this year include Pandora internet radio, Stitcher “smart radio” and Oran- gatame’s OpenBeak app for Twitter, with additional apps on the way. Updated ver- sions of each app, incorporating the SYNC application programming interface (API), will be available through Android Market and BlackBerry App World for customers to download.
Ford will introduce AppLink on all
SYNC-equipped vehicles next year, as well as provide interoperability with iPhone and other smartphones.
The AppLink is the latest in a number
of recent addition to Ford’s popular SYNC technology which includes built-in apps, including Vehicle Health Report and 911 Assist and other apps like Traffic, Direc- tions & Information rely on beamed-in, or “cloud-based,” information.
Drivers can also access the Ford Ser-
vice Delivery Network, a network of data centers providing turn-by-turn directions, business searches, and on-demand news, sports and weather information, through a simple voice-connection using their cell phone.
THE
INGREEN
Nissan announces
pricing for LEAF
Nissan has announced US pricing
for the 2011 Nissan LEAF electric vehicle that goes on sale in select markets in December and nation- wide in 2011.
The automaker began taking res-
ervations for the LEAF on April 20, which will be available for purchase or lease.
After a $7,500 federal tax credit,
the LEAF will be available for $25,280. The MSRP for the 2011 all- electric, zero-emission Nissan car is $32,780, which includes three years of roadside assistance.
Nissan LEAF buyers will also be
eligible for additional tax credits in states like California, Georgia and Oregon.
With the $7,500 federal tax
credit, the LEAF will be available for a monthly lease payment beginning at $349, not including state or local incentives.
The LEAF SV trim will have
standard features, including an ad- vanced navigation system and Inter- net/smart phone connectivity to the vehicle, enabling pre-heat/pre-cool and charging control.
The car is equipped with energy-
efficient LED headlights and makes extensive use of recycled and re- cyclable materials, such as seat fabric, instrument panel materials, and front- and rear-bumper fascias.
Other standard amenities include
Bluetooth connectivity; Intelligent- key with push button start; Sirius/ XM satellite radio capabilities and roadside assistance.
Safety features include vehicle
stability control, traction control and six airbags. For an additional $940, there’s a SL trim level avail- able that features a rearview moni- tor, solar panel spoiler, fog lights, and automatic headlights.
Marcus Amick THE FORD FIESTA is heavily influenced by European styling cues. – Photos: Marcus Amick
By Marcus Amick
SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE
SAN FRANCISCO — Small? Well, only if you’re talking segment. ’Cause if you’re talking space, features and feel, the new 2011
Ford Fiesta really doesn’t fall into the typical idea of what’s con- sidered small.
Yeah I know, sounds
like an ad, right? And if there’s one thing I hate in a car review, it’s a line that sounds like an ad pitch. But it’s kinda hard not to be sold on the Fiesta even if you’re not really into “small” cars. And this is coming from a guy who is 6’1” and around, uh…200 and something pounds. (lol)
Either way, it’s hard not to like the Fiesta.
SIZING IT UP
For starters, it looks cool and a lot different
than the small car designs that have rolled out of American car companies in the past. Differ- ent in that it’s nothing like those vehicles you looked at as just a means of getting from point A to point B. You know, the kind of car that you
never really worry about parking too close to another vehicle at the movie theater, just as long as there’s enough time to grab that popcorn before the flick starts.
Thought being, though you’d probably never admit it, you
really don’t care if the car gets a scratch or not. Well, the Fiesta changes that. The car is available as either a four-door or five-door hatch-
back and was heavily influenced by European design. Key fea- tures include Ford’s new signature grille, a high beltline and a low sweeping roofline that gives it great road presence. Although
the hatchback is definitely a lot more sportier than the four-door model.
The Fiesta, which has been selling in
Join Marcus Amick on test drives and events at Twitter (
http://twitter.com/MarcusAmick).
See Ford Fiesta page B-2
Europe and Asia since 2008, is available in nine cool colors like Bright Magenta, Lime Squeeze (featured above) and Blue Flame. It also offers buyers a choice of multiple graphics packages that can be used to personalize their cars.
Driver: Rogers Worthy
When Not Driving? “Locating
car parts. Tracking down parts to finish another car project.”
Vehicles? A 1956 Chevrolet Nomad, which was only made for three years, an original ’69 Z 28 Rally Sport Camaro, a 2007 Ford Focus (everyday car) and a 1996 Dodge Ram Dually.
First Ride? “A 1964 Impala. I put Monte Carlo swivel seats inside.”
Favorite Car Color? “Green
until I found the Nomad. Now I only do red cars.”
Music Playlist? “Alicia Keys and Patti LaBelle.”
Speed or Luxury? “Speed.
smooth tone.”
Dream Car? “The new Z 28 Camaro that GM was supposed to come out, but was canned because of the bankruptcy. Nomad in a music video.”
I would love to get my 1956 If the engine is performing right, the car has a
GADGET CENTRAL
Inside, the Fiesta features a number of
“big” car features ranging from standard equipment to available options.
The instrument panel centerstack, the
focal point of the new Fiesta interior, was designed to feel as useful and familiar
Ford Fiesta redefines the idea of a ‘little’ car
MYWHEELS
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