As California prepares to go “hands-free” this summer, Ford is ready to help the 29.7 million cell phone subscribers in California with its state-of-the-art SYNC in-car communications and entertainment system, developed with Microsoft.

Ford Motor Company and Microsoft announce today that the award-winning Ford SYNC in-car connectivity system will be available to even more customers and with even more functionality later this year.

Ford has the products and technologies that California customers want – including the new 2008 Mustang Bullitt and Ford SYNC™ voice-activated, hands-free in-car communications system – and will be showcasing them at the 2007 Greater Los Angeles International Auto Show in a new, environmentally friendly interactive show stand.

Staying connected is a way of life now. Recent research from the Consumer Electronics Association shows there are more than 200 million mobile phones in the U.S. Ford Motor Company research also indicates customers want to stay connected to their digital media players: More than 70 percent of new car buyers are looking for the ability to use digital media players in their new vehicles.

Ford Motor Company confirmed the distribution and pricing strategy of Ford Sync ™, an advanced in-car communication and entertainment system developed in collaboration with Microsoft.