At the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show this week, Ford rolled out a pre-production example of the new 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, boasting a Panasonic-developed lithium-ion battery pack and, for the first time, Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system.
As a matter of fact, Panasonic Automotive was involved in the development of SYNC 3, as well. The new infotainment system was a collaborative effort between the automaker and the electronics company, which worked together to create new SYNC hardware and software that was more responsive, more user-friendly, and boasted easier, more conversational voice-recognition.
Of course, one needn’t buy a luxury sedan to have Ford’s improved SYNC 3 infotainment; the system has already made its way into the 2016 Ford Escape, Mustang, F-150, and numerous other models.
Panasonic Automotive President Tom Gebhardt said in a release: “Luxury consumers have high expectations that their infotainment systems will provide an experience that is as responsive and elegant as their mobile devices. Despite the fact that vehicles are infinitely more complicated than tablets and smartphone, with Panasonic’s history in both consumer electronics and automotive, we have been able to expertly marry the two worlds and create a vehicle experience that is smart and sophisticated.”
In addition to Ford SYNC 3, Panasonic Automotive has lent its expertise to comparable systems from Chevrolet, Buick, and Chrysler.
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