| Dearborn automaker Ford is in the middle of its | | | | speech enabled solutions, our portable navigation |
| turnaround plan after it has seen its share in the | | | | solutions in the aftermarket also allow destination |
| United States auto market slide. Part of its | | | | entry and control by voice." |
| turnaround plan is to develop green vehicles which | | | | With the technology developed by Blaupunkt and |
| consumers are asking for. Another step taken by | | | | powered by Nuance, consumers can simply say |
| Ford to attract more consumers is teaming up | | | | the address of their destination and the navigation |
| with Nuance Communications, one of the leaders | | | | system will readily read out all information needed |
| in speech and imaging solutions. This partnership is | | | | by the driver. Other navigational system requires |
| geared towards making Ford vehicles safer and | | | | drivers to type in the address of their destination |
| more user-friendly. | | | | which can distract the driver while driving. Another |
| With Nuance's technology, consumers will be less | | | | new feature for Ford vehicles is the one push |
| at risk of being distracted when using Ford car's | | | | phone call. By pushing the "push to talk" button on |
| phone, as well as navigation and entertainment | | | | the steering wheel and saying the number or the |
| systems. With drivers always tinkering with | | | | name of the phonebook entry, the system will |
| different in-car systems, there is a bigger chance | | | | dial the number. |
| of being distracted and getting into an accident. | | | | Steve Chambers, the president for Mobile and |
| With Nuance, this can be cut down to a minimum | | | | Consumer Services Division at Nuance, said: |
| as the company provides text to speech | | | | "Nuance has a long history of working with Ford. |
| technologies, and speech recognition. | | | | Now with the advanced speech technology in the |
| According to the automaker, these technologies | | | | Blaupunkt navigation solution, we are able to offer |
| developed by Nuance will be available to European | | | | drivers a safer alternative to the drivers' |
| car buyers from December this year. The Ford | | | | distraction created by the use of navigation |
| C-MAX and the Ford Focus will become the first | | | | systems in cars. With the voice user interface, |
| Ford vehicles to receive this cutting edge feature. | | | | powered by Nuance Automotive, drivers no |
| The Ford Mondeo, Ford Galaxy, and the Ford | | | | longer need to take their eyes off the road or |
| S-Max will also be equipped with said feature. | | | | their hands from the wheel to dial their phone, |
| Joachim Creutzburg, the Marketing Director | | | | enter an address to the navigation system or |
| Original Equipment from Blaupunkt, a subsidiary of | | | | control their audio system." |
| Bosch which helped Ford develop the Human | | | | This feature in the future will not only be available |
| Machine Interface said: "We recognize the | | | | for Ford vehicles as other automakers are sure |
| importance of speech technology to make | | | | to follow suit. Luxury vehicles like Acuras with |
| telematics, navigation and infotainment solutions | | | | Acura body parts can be expected to have this |
| safer and easier to control. Not only do we offer | | | | feature soon. |
| our automotive customers the most advanced | | | | |