Ford Focus Named Connected World Magazine’s Connected Car of the Year 2012

• Connected World magazine cites SYNC^® and MyFord Touch^® as primary reasons for presenting Ford Focus with its Connected Car of the Year 2012 award

• MyFord Touch processes more than 10,000 voice commands that can operate MP3 players, climate control, available navigation and phone hands-free

• MyFord Touch can turn Ford Focus into Wi-Fi^® hot spot for passengers

 

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 23, 2012 – When it comes to small car connectivity technology, the Ford Focus scores big, according to the editors at Connected World magazine.

 

“Ford is honored to receive this award from Connected World magazine,” said Paul Russell, Ford Focus brand manager. “The award embodies the global nature of the Focus with its fun-to-drive character and smart technology customers are looking for.”

 

Connected World editors base their awards on three broad factors: safety, convenience and information options.

 

Safety encompasses active safety features and distraction-free driving, including hands-free and vehicle safety features, emergency response services and stolen vehicle/roadside assistance features.

 

For the convenience judging, editors focus on overall comfort and driver/owner convenience. Criteria include remote access to the vehicle, vehicle diagnostic information, traffic and navigation features, as well as driver assistance programs.

 

Finally, editors focus on vehicles providing information options in a distraction-free manner; these attributes include streaming content, device-pairing capabilities, social media connections and Web connectivity.

 

“The Ford Focus sets a high bar in the small category when it comes to connectivity with MyFord Touch^®and SYNC^®,” said Peggy Smedley, editorial director, Connected World magazine. “They just keep getting better and better. No other car in its class comes close to offering such a high level of safety, convenience and infotainment. Techies and non-techies alike are enjoying this connected ride.”

 

Since going on sale in March 2011 as a 2012 model, the new Ford Focus has been awarded several industry and consumer awards, including being named to Car and Driver’s 10Best list and Automobile Magazine’sAll Stars.

 

To learn more about Connected Car of the Year, please visit www.connectedworldmag.com/ccoy.