Ford understands that many F-150 and Bronco buyers like to take their rides off the beaten path. This creates a bit of a problem, however, as it’s easy to get lost in the wilderness when we’ve reached those remote points where there is no cellular service and most navigation systems fail. But Ford has found a solution to that problem that it’s integrating into the 2021 Ford F-150 and Bronco navigation systems that enables them to stay connected even when the vehicles are far outside cellular coverage areas.
The automaker has teamed up with Telenav, a leading provider of connected-car and location-based services, to supply hybrid navigation software and services that continue to work smoothly even when users venture out of network coverage. The available hybrid navigation solution is part of the SYNC 4 technology available in the newly redesigned 2021 Ford Bronco and F-150.
Additionally, the navigation system includes specialized routing options for customers who are towing a trailer or off-roading. The system guides users to routes best suited for the dimensions of their trailer to help avoid sharp turns, narrow bridges, and low overpasses. Off-road enthusiasts can navigate to and on many trails across North America, while additional trail maps will be added in the future.
For everyday driving, the connected navigation experience will give F-150 and Bronco owners the latest maps for reliable, time-saving navigation and location information such as finding cheap and available parking or a well-reviewed restaurant to eat along the way. The navigation solution uses real-time traffic conditions to provide the fastest routes with alerts for incidences like accidents and congestion along the route. To help minimize distractions while driving, customers can use SYNC 4’s digital voice assistance to access many of these features.
F-150 and Bronco customers will also have access to up-to-date landmarks and businesses in the surrounding area with their descriptions and user ratings from Yelp. Telenav’s one-box search technology makes looking up addresses and destinations simple and convenient, intelligently prioritizing results based on the user’s location and personal preferences. The navigation solution incorporates a prediction service that anticipates the user’s destinations and automatically makes routing suggestions, all without the user having to enter a single word.
“Customers want connected vehicle technologies to work more like smartphones with real-time, personalized services – and that is exactly what we are offering with Ford SYNC 4 innovations such as Telenav’s navigation system,” said Gary Jablonski, manager, Ford Connected Vehicle Infotainment Systems. “F-150 and Bronco drivers now can get richer, quicker location search results, tow more confidently with custom routes, and keep following off-road trail maps where other navigation systems go dark when cell coverage ends.”
We’ll have much more on this and all new Ford technology features soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford F-Series news, Ford F-150 news, Ford Bronco news, and 24/7 Ford news coverage.
Comments
Let me understand this…. “Ford understands that many F-150 and Bronco buyers like to take their rides off the beaten path. This creates a bit of a problem, however, as it’s easy to get lost in the wilderness when we’ve reached those remote points where there is no cellular service and most navigation systems fail.”
You’re saying there are no longer built-in maps in the GPS? If I don’t pay for the “Connected Nav” I will have to rely on my phone to have any map at all? If that’s the case, that’s INSANE. At least for a buyer. For Ford, it’s pure money to keep a map(s) on your nav. Please tell me I’m wrong. My 20 year old GPS can download current maps and work ANYWHERE. I don’t need “cellular” to have a working GPS with a current map.
NO you understand wrong I believe. The BIG difference is the Ford system must be a true GPS system based off satellites and NOT a cell phone version that runs off of cell towers. Not sure now, but at first even Onstar was cell phone tower based and useless without reception.
Stand alone systems like Garmin use satellites and ANY person who relies on todays nav systems has some satellite capable system as their go to or backup