Ford Introduces Wired Compact Car: Ford Focus Sync 2008

Ford Motor Company has decided to appeal to the wired generation. This Fall Ford will introduce a new model Ford Focus called the Focus Sync. It is not on the show room floors yet, but it has made the rounds at the various Auto Shows. The model was on display on CNBC business news on September 17, 2007. Ford joined forces with Microsoft to bring this new wired car to fruition.

The Ford Focus Sync is a mobile port for all technologies currently popular in the United States. The console is unique. It provides an audible message system that lets the driver/cell phone user know that a text message or other type of message is received. The message may be heard over the audible device and a response may be sent without taking your hands off the wheel.

The command post or communication center of the Focus Sync is compatible with Bluetooth, Ipod, MP3 players, cell phones and most devices. The idea of bringing the wired generation into the car buying marketing plan was a necessity. The Honda Civic and Accord has a huge chunk of the wired generations attention and buying preference. The Toyota Matrix and standard Corolla has established itself with the consumer looking for the compact car.

The Ford Motor Company decided to abandon the popular hatch back Focus model for 2008. The Focus 2008 model is supposed to be a European design. The coupe version does not look substantially different from the 2007 version. There are some design changes and some additional colors. It is smart looking, but not a pretty car. It is sleek. Maybe, it is a European look.

The popular 2.3 engine has been replaced with a 2.0 version for 2008. As far as a difference in the engine capacity this was not a welcome change for some of the car reviewers. Most have not been able to drive the 2008 Ford Focus 2008. The wired Sync is not available in all Ford Focus Models. The other unknown is the price.

At this point the actual price Ford intends to charge for this wired mobile Ford Focus is only speculation. The Ford Focus 2008 will probably go for around $13,000 for a basic model. At least one car reviewer thinks the Ford Focus Sync will start at around $18,000. The Ford Motor Company could surprise everyone.

Whether the trade off for the nifty communication center, ambient lighting that can be adjusted to the driver's mood and European look will offset the downgrade on the engine to a 2.0 is still to be decided. Whether the price and the abandonment of the hatch back will be made up by the nifty gadgets is anyone's guess. For a sneak preview take a look at http://www.fordvehicles.com/cars/2008focus.

I think it is a great attempt to move the American car company into the 21^st century. It is worth a quick look for the future of the car industry. Undoubtedly, all the compact cars will be jumping into the wired car design.