The new system, which is being introduced in an as-yet-
undisclosed selection of Ford's models, includes a range of entertainment and communication features such as real-time traffic reports and hands-free calling, as well as all the functionality enabled by internet access for browsing, emailing and streaming video. And rather than having built-in mobile broadband connectivity which would add significantly to the cost of the system, the new SYNC version allows users to plug in their own mobile broadband dongle to get online.Commenting on the expected popularity of the system, Mark Fields, president of Ford Americas, said: “While you’re driving to grandma’s house, your spouse can be finishing the holiday shopping and the kids can be chatting with friends. And you’re not paying for yet another mobile subscription or piece of hardware because Ford will let you use technology you already have.”
Ford is not the only car manufacturer to have made the leap to internet-on-wheels - Mercedes and BMW are among other big names testing in-vehicle internet systems, and such things have been fairly commonplace in Japan since around 1997. Ford expects to launch the system sometime next year in the States, although there's no word of whether such things will reach these shores.
source : http://mobile.broadbandgenie.co.uk/broadband-news/ford-launches-mobile-broadband-car
