Ford
Owners of newer Ford vehicles can tell you that the Sync system isn’t something new. But in 2010, the entertainment and communications system will got an upgrade designed to help it compete in the industry. The wireless, voice-activated Sync will not only give you turn-by-turn directions, but also real-time traffic information. The upgrade also allows Sync to offer news and sports scores that drivers can customize. The technology is available in select 2010 models, but should be standard in all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury 2011 vehicles.
They’ve also introduced MyKey. If you’ve ever found yourself worrying about your child after they borrowed your car, Ford has just the answer for you. MyKey uses a computer chip in the car’s ignition key to limit teen drivers to a top speed of 80 mph. Parents also have the option of programming the teen’s key to limit the vehicle’s audio system’s levels and to sound continuous alerts if the driver doesn’t wear a seat belt. Parents also have the option of having the car sound a chime if the teen exceeds 45, 55 or 65 mph. According to Jim Buczkowski, Ford’s director of electronic and electrical systems engineering, “Our message to parents is, hey, we are providing you some conditions to give your new drivers that may allow you to feel a little more comfortable in giving them the car more often.”
Mercedes
If you bought one of Mercedes’ facelifted 2010 S-Class cars, you were probably amazed. The German automaker is debuted a new display technology that allows driver and passenger to see two totally separate programs from the same screen at the same time. That means the driver can access GPS information, turn-by-turn directions and monitor the car’s systems on the 8-inch screen while the passenger can watch DVDs or TV. While the driver’s side would feature touch-screen capabilities, the passenger side would be controlled by a separate remote. The system also allows for audio on the passenger’s side to be routed through headphones to keep from distracting the driver.
Toyota
Touch sensors on the steering wheel that allow the driver to control the stereo, climate and more have been around for a while now. However, Toyota took that idea a step farther with the 2010 edition of its popular hybrid Toyota Prius. When a driver touches one of the buttons on the Prius’ wheel, a duplicate image is displayed on the instrument panel, directly in front of the driver. The Touch Tracer is the first system in the world to allow steering wheel controls to read out on the instrument panel, reducing driver eye movement to allow for better concentration on the road. According to Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division, “It’s an everyday car for everyday use, and when it goes on sale a few months from now, we believe that its new features will appeal to returning owners, while at the same time attract buyers who are looking for innovative technology with a hybrid powertrain.”
