Will Your Car Soon Become Your Personal Assistant?

PEKIN, Ill., – We already know that today's new vehicles are equipped with technologically advanced features like hands-free phone calls and voice-controlled GPS. These features make our lives more convenient and keep us safe while distracted driving is on the rise. With technology always improving around us we find ourselves asking will your car soon become your personal assistant? 

In collaboration with RWTH Aachen University, Ford is researching the use of microphones to improve speech processing in vehicles. This type of research has the potential to allow your vehicle to learn all about your preferences. In-car cameras could also be used to read facial expressions and create the "empathetic car," one that knows how you're feeling when you sit down.

As early as this summer, Ford vehicles will begin allowing drivers to access Amazon's virtual assistant, Alexa through Ford SYNC 3. Alexa understands 23 different languages and is expected to bring drivers more convenient ways to navigate while operating their vehicle.

But with all of these technology advancements at our fingertips, and the idea that our cars may soon become more like personal assistants, we may find ourselves wondering if we've taken things a bit too far. Do cars really need to do more than take us from point a to point b? Do we need to be able to ask our vehicle's a question? What do you think of all of these proposed new features?

You can read more about Ford's latest research project with RWTH Aachen University and see what features and improvements will soon become available in the Ford MediaCenter.

Located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554, Velde Ford of Pekin is committed to providing customers outstanding service. We want you to enjoy your car buying experience. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to stop by the dealership or visit our website at www.VeldeFordPekin.com. You can also reach us at (888) 221-2804. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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Downloadable 2017 Ford Escape Brochure

PEKIN, Ill., – Are you looking for a new crossover vehicle? Be sure to take a look at the 2017 Ford Escape electronic brochure. You can learn about Ford's compact crossover and its great features, and decide if it's the vehicle for you! For photos and performance specifications, download the 2017 Ford Escape brochure!

Downloadable 2017 Ford Escape Brochure

Read all you need to know about the latest Ford Escape when you download the electronic brochure from Velde Ford! With its EcoBoost engine, SYNC 3 connectivity, and multiple safety features, you'll see why this versatile crossover vehicle is perfect for you by downloading the 2017 Ford Escape brochure!

Available in multiple trim levels, Ford's compact crossover will take you where you need to go! To find out more information about feature details, photos, and vehicle specs, be sure to read the downloadable 2017 Ford Escape Brochure on our website!

Located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554, Velde Ford of Pekin is committed to providing customers outstanding service. Schedule a test drive of a 2017 Ford Escape, or let us show you our other latest Ford models.We want you to enjoy your car buying experience and we want you to leave feeling confident in your buying or leasing decision. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to stop by the dealership or visit our website at www.VeldeFordPekin.com. You can also reach us at (888) 221-2804. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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Ford Super Duty – Smart Driver Assist Technologies

PEKIN, Ill., – The all-new 2017 Ford Super Duty is here and it’s ready to make a statement. Ford is giving drivers the control they want with the new Ford Super Duty – smart driver assist technologies. New features include:

• Adaptive cruise control and collision warning
• Adaptive Steering
• Blind Spot Information System with trailer coverage
• BoxLink with locking cleats
• Trailer Camera
• Inflatable rear outboard safety belts
• Multicontour front seats
• Power-deployable running boards
• PowerScope power-telescoping and power-folding trailer tow mirrors
• Remote tailgate release
• Flat load floor
• Stowable loading ramps
• SYNC 3
• Tailgate step
• Trailer Reverse Guidance
• Trailer tire pressure monitoring
• Utility lighting system

These adaptive technologies were designed to help drivers stay in control on their truck, even when towing up to 31,500 pounds. The adaptive cruise control allows drivers to set following distance and speed. If traffic slows down, the truck automatically adjusts to its preset following distance. This also helps drivers maintain their speed, even while they are towing large amounts up hill. Adaptive steering control changes the amount of steering input needed according to the speed of the vehicle. This makes for a more controlled and maneuverable steering experience.

As well as the adaptive driving technologies, the new Super Duty comes with many safety technology features like the back up camera and Blind Spot Information System. It also offers drivers a world of connectivity with Ford SYNC 3.

The 2017 Ford Super Duty will be available later this year.

Have confidence in your truck with the 2017 Ford Super Duty – smart driver assist technologies! If you’re curious about your current Ford vehicle technology, read our latest Ford SYNC page at VeldeFordPekin.com! You can learn about what your vehicle is capable of and all of the latest updates!

Located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554, Velde Ford of Pekin is committed to providing customers outstanding service. We want you to enjoy your car buying experience. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to stop by the dealership or visit our website at www.VeldeFordPekin.com. You can also reach us at (888) 221-2804. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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Ford SYNC Vehicle Technology with MyFord Touch

PEKIN, Ill., – We want to give you the best car experience possible at Velde Ford. That’s why we’ve created our new Ford SYNC Vehicle Technology with MyFord Touch informational page. We want to help you understand and utilize your vehicle’s technology capabilities. Visit the Ford SYNC Vehicle Technology with MyFord Touch page on www.VeldeFordPekin.com.
Page details include:

SYNC Hands-Free Calling
With SYNC Hands-Free Calling, you can make calls from your cell phone through your vehicles speakers, without ever taking your eyes off the road.

Ford SYNC 911 Assist
In the case of an accident, this feature allows your vehicle to call emergency services for you if you’re unable to make the call yourself.

Infotainment System Voice Recognition
This feature is activated by a button on your steering wheel and allows you to make a call, send a text, or control your music without taking your hands off the wheel.

SYNC AppLink with Voice Control
SYNC AppLink allows you to control your favorite apps on your smartphone while driving. You can listen to sports broadcasts or your favorite music and radio apps.

Ford SYNC 3 plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Control your smartphone through the speakers of you car and utilize navigation, make calls and listen to voicemails without becoming a distracted driver.

Siri Seamless Integration
Use Siri as you normally would on your iPhone with the Siri Eyes Free feature. You can use this feature to check traffic conditions and look for restaurants in your area.

Music Search and Control
Control your in-car music by connecting your devices through Bluetooth or with a USB cord. Then use your voice to pick your songs!

Climate Control Through Ford SYNC
Save your preferred climate settings and return to them later with a simple voice command.

Ford SYNC Connect
Available with SYNC 3, use the FordPass app to track your car’s location, start your car remotely, and lock and unlock your car from your smartphone.

We want you to have the latest and greatest technologies in your vehicle to make your driving experience the most convenient it can be. With our new Ford SYNC Vehicle Technology with MyFord Touch informational page, we hope you can get an idea of your vehicles capabilities!

Located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554, Velde Ford of Pekin is committed to providing customers outstanding service. We want you to enjoy your car buying experience. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to stop by the dealership or visit our website at www.VeldeFordPekin.com. You can also reach us at (888) 221-2804. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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App Developers Asked to Contribute to Ford SYNC 3

PEKIN, Ill. –– After a robust debut this past summer, Ford Motor Co.’s SYNC 3 communication and entertainment system is set to feel the positive impact of many of the world’s greatest and most technologically inclined minds. Ford is looking beyond the reach of its own innovative scope and is asking app developers to contribute to its SYNC 3 system.

App developers can dip their techie fingers into Ford’s SYNC3 development kit and vehicle data simulator software development kit, which provides them necessary information for development without having to be near a vehicle. These kits and AppLink, which enables smartphone apps with voice-command and shows apps on your SYNC screen, are foundations for developers to build from as they bring new ideas to the system.

By providing access to over a dozen design templates and all-new AppLink application programming interfaces, app developers have been asked to contribute to Ford SYNC3 by utilizing new system capabilities, such as:

• Push notifications sent to the SYNC screen
• Cloud-based voice-activated services for in-app activity
• Real-time information from vehicle sensors that you customize apps with

Ford’s seeking of outside efforts to advance its SYNC 3 system is an industry-first that it began in 2013 when it asked developers to help with previous SYNC systems. Since that time, more than 13,000 developers have registered for Ford’s developer program and over 24,000 software development kits have been downloaded.

It seems the future of automotive technology is in the present for Ford considering the technological capabilities of its vehicles, SYNC 3 being only one aspect. You can see for yourself at our Pekin area Ford dealer, where even our used Fords for sale exhibit advanced technology that has been built upon since.

At Velde Ford, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit our dealership, Velde Ford at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com

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2016 Ford Escape and Fiesta Introduce SYNC 3

PEKIN, Illi.– As the world’s most innovative auto manufacturer, there is no slowing down for Ford Motor Company. The automaker will prove itself once again when the 2016 Ford Escape and Fiesta introduce SYNC 3 to North America this summer.

SYNC 3, Ford’s newest version of its communications and entertainment system, will showcase a broad range of new features, including:

• Faster performance
• Conversational voice recognition
• A perceptive touchscreen
• A simpler graphical interface
• AppLink to incorporate smartphone apps
• Siri Eyes-Free capability for Apple iPhone
• Software updates via Wi-Fi
• Enhanced 911 Assist

The decision for the 2016 Ford Escape and Fiesta to introduce SYNC 3 is a strategic one. The Escape is one of Ford’s most popular vehicles, and the Fiesta is its most affordable. These vehicles will become technologically savvy and safer thanks to SYNC 3. With SYNC 3, drivers can safely connect their smartphones and use them with their vehicles without taking their focus away from the road.

Ford is already on top of the auto tech mountain, and SYNC 3 cements their position even more. It’s safe to say SYNC 3 isn’t the first time Ford has made driving more convenient than ever. All you have to do is look at the New Ford Cars and New Ford Trucks at our Morton Area Ford Dealership to know that!

At Velde Automotive Group, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford  at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our websites: VeldeGM.com and VeldeFordPekin.com

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Ford and Microsoft Team Up to Launch New Connectivity Services

PEKIN, Illi. - There has been a lot of chatter going on from the automobile and technology markets. Word on the street is that Ford Motor Company and Microsoft are teaming up to launch new connectivity services for future Ford vehicles. After some technical complications with the previous Microsoft system on Ford vehicles, the automaker decided to take action and will work hand in hand with the technology giant to create an incredible connectivity experience for their customers!

Ford and Microsoft are teaming up to launch a new connectivity system to support SYNC 3; Ford's latest infotainment system. This upgraded version of SYNC will run on a cloud-based Azure platform from Microsoft and will help Ford effectively notice how owners of the vehicle use the system and will also them to recognize owner's driving habits. An up and coming feature on SYNC 3 will allow data to be collected wirelessly and processed to detect any mechanical or technical issues within the vehicle. If the system does happen to detect a problem, the software will then notify the driver about any maintenance required for the car. 

With this re-established relationship, Ford will be able to provide their customers with a broader set of connectivity services. SYNC 3 will still use Blackberry's QNX on-board operating system to provide users with a simpler layout, larger fonts, and a touchscreen that can swipe up, down, or across. By the end of 2016, all Ford vehicles in the United States will have switched to SYNC 3 and  all vehicles around the globe will have the new system by 2018. Reports say that SYNC 3 could start appearing on some of Ford Motor Company's 2016 models this year. 

At Velde Automotive Group, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford  at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our websites: VeldeGM.com and VeldeFordPekin.com

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Ford SYNC® 3 Enhances How Customers Stay Connected on the Road

PEKIN, Illi. - Last week, Ford Motor Company introduced SYNC® 3 to the world - a faster, more intuitive, and easier to use communication and entertainment system. Ford SYNC® 3 Enhances How Customers Stay Connected on the Road by providing drivers with more conversational voice recognition technology, a smartphone-like touch screen, and easy-to-read graphics.

Ford took a customer-centric approach when developing the SYNC 3 system. After sifting through 22,000 customer comments and suggestions, insights from research clinics, market surveys, and tech industry benchmarking, Ford Motor Company was able to rebuild a system that improves connectivity and gives customers what they want most.

While SYNC 3 is intended for hands-free use, the all-new touch screen provides customers with a similar experience to that of a smartphone or tablet. The screen now has a quicker response to touch, voice commands, and smartphone-like gestures like pinch-to-zoom and swipe. SYNC 3 has reduced on-screen complexity and itemized the control options that drivers use the most - Navigation, Audio, and Phone. Not only does reducing the amount of things on the screen make control easier, it also reduces the number of times a driver will need to glance at the screen.

The next-generation system has also mitigated the voice command process for users. When using SYNC 3, users can simply say something as vague as "play <song, artist, or album>" and the system automatically prompts to play that song, artist, or album. SYNC 3 is also equipped to better understand how consumers refer to businesses and points of interest. Drivers do not have to know the exact name; they can simply search "Detroit Airport" rather than using the official name "Detroit Metropolitan Airport".

Ford SYNC® 3 Enhances How Customers Stay Connected on the Road by improving the way customers connect their smartphones to their vehicle. AppLink is now faster and more responsive than ever before, making it easier for drivers to access their apps. All in all, SYNC 3's enhancements will make for a top-notch, user-friendly experience for Ford customers.

SYNC 3 will begin to arrive on new vehicles next year! If you can barely wait to take advantage of all that Ford SYNC has to offer, stop by Velde Ford and check out the 2015 Ford Fiesta or 2015 Ford Taurus. At Velde Automotive Group, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our websites: VeldeGM.com and VeldeFordPekin.com

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