In a previous article, I moaned about how Ford was missing the market by eliminating the Focus ZX3 and ZX5 hatchbacks from its line-up.
Now, Detroit News claims that Ford is actually doing well, thank you, especially in the youth market because of Sync.
If you do not watch TV, Sync is a Microsoft product that is now exclusively available in Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles. It is a “voice-activated mobile phone and digital music system for your car” (to quote the Sync My Ride website).
So forget about fumbling with your cellphone to make a call or worry about ordering the steering wheel audio control option. Just use your voice to call home or to select music to play on your car stereo.
According to the Detroit News article, Focus sales have seen a spike of 44% in January 2008 compared to January 2007. 40% of new Focuses sold have been equipped with Sync.
These figures may not tell the whole story (yes, I’m a skeptic) since most of us buy cars that are on the dealer lots and therefore often end up getting stuff that we do not necessarily need/want.
Also, the spike of 44% might be part of the trend towards small cars and fuel efficiency: Ford has also been heavily promoting the fuel efficiency of the Focus.