Ford's collaboration with Microsoft resulted in the development of the highly advanced Ford Sync. The system allows motorists to connect almost any electronic gadget they have with their Sync-equipped Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury vehicles. The Sync has been positively received by consumers and critics alike. Last year, the Sync already received a handful of awards.

Building on the success of the Sync, the Dearborn automaker is set to unveil other in-car features at the upcoming International CES 2008. One of the in-car features that the automaker will unveil at the said event is the SIRIUS Travel Link™ navigation system which it expects to attract more consumers into their dealerships.

Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president for Global Product Development, highlighted their goal saying: "Ford's goal is to deliver the smart, connected in-car experience that customers today demand and to lead the industry into a new era of in-vehicle connectivity."

"Ford is answering the call with the best technology solutions from companies like Microsoft and SIRIUS, connecting customers with mobile devices, important information they need on the road and bringing the experience to life with the latest in navigation technology and branded audio," added Kuzak.

The Ford Sync has become very popular with consumers that the automaker is expecting its sales to reach a million units early in 2009. With the automaker in the middle of a tough battle with Japanese automakers for market share in the very important United States auto market, it needs products like the Sync which can effectively attract consumers to their dealerships. With the Sync proving to be very popular, the automaker announced that they would equip 85 percent of Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles with this innovative feature by the end of this year.

Next for the automaker is to make the Travel Link more appealing to consumers. Among the features of the Travel Link which Ford will highlight at the International CES 2008 is its ability to report real-time traffic data. With the said feature, drivers will have real-time information regarding traffic flow or volume. This can greatly help motorists avoid congested streets which mean more motorists will not be sitting on traffic congestion wasting fuel while idling.

Another feature of the Travel Link is its ability to provide real time, coast to coast weather updates. This will come in handy for those who need to travel a long distance. And for sports buff, the SIRIUS Travel Link provides scores and schedules of any sport from NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NASCAR, NCAAF, NCAAB, and golf. This feature is expected to be available to Ford vehicles in the near future which will make it more valuable than Subaru transmission mounts.