Voice Operated Vehicles:Coming in the not-so-distant future

Amber MitchellMatt Charles

Kenny VanDyke

SYNC

• Ford installs SYNC, a voice operated in-car technology, into some of its cars in 2009

• Developed by Microsoft and Ford• Allows various portable devices to be

operated with simple voice commands• Will also read aloud text messages

SYNC 2010

• This year’s version has the ability to:– Keep up with Twitter– Download turn-by-turn maps– Stream internet radio

• Will also be able to use many of the iPhone applications with your voice

Successful? I think so

• Ford has attributed the company’s turn around with the SYNC technology

• So successful that it is being implemented on many of Fords vehicles.

• The LA Times reported that “…cars with SYNC technology sell twice as fast as cars that don’t have SYNC”

Marketing Application

• The Big 3 continue to research this technology• On Star Scenario– Driver: “Where is the nearest gas station?”– On Star “Chevron is 0.5 miles. Shell is 0.6 miles

with a discount code you can save 15%”• Cars are slowly becoming advertisements on

wheels

Discussion

• Does anyone have SYNC in their car? Do you like? Dislike?

• What do you guys think of the SYNC technology?

• How far can marketers take this technology to sell products?

Questions?

Thanks for your time!