Ford and Automatic Working Together to Support Connected-Car Solutions

SAN FRANCISCO & DEARBORN, MI -- Sept. 17, 2014; Automatic Labs and Ford Motor Company today announced a joint experimental collaboration to improve the driving experience for Ford and Lincoln vehicle owners. Together, the companies will test and develop new features that provide enhanced capabilities to Ford and Lincoln vehicle owners, enabling drivers to opt-in to provide data from their vehicle and use that information to be smarter, safer drivers.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Ford to improve the overall driving experience by connecting our shared customers and their cars to the Internet.”

Ford SYNCŪ already allows drivers to make calls, listen to music and get directions with an optional navigation feature through the touch of a button on the steering wheel—all while keeping hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Existing technology from Automatic uses a small device and a mobile app to connect a driver’s smartphone to his or her vehicle’s onboard computer. Customers will be given the option to opt-in to Automatic, which will provide data that can help remember where the vehicle is parked and more.

While Automatic’s device has been available in Apple and Best Buy stores since last year, this is the first time the company has teamed up with an auto manufacturer to experiment with its in-vehicle entertainment and communications system.

“Ford’s powerful in-car technology makes working with Ford highly valuable for us,” said Automatic CEO Thejo Kote. “Ford’s interface—coupled with Automatic’s connected services platform—enables us to bring customized one-touch applications to Ford drivers that go beyond the capabilities of either technology on its own.”

The first of several features available to drivers who use Automatic in supported Ford SYNC-equipped vehicles will make Apple’s Siri personal assistant application accessible on Apple iPhone through the push-to-talk button on the steering wheel. This means drivers will not have to reach for their iPhone while operating their vehicle, allowing them to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

In addition, Automatic will provide greater convenience to drivers by connecting the push-to-talk button to the “Internet of Things,” enabling access to the popular If This Then That, or IFTTT, web service, which automates actions using the Internet. This allows drivers to use the push-to-talk button to trigger an IFTTT recipe from among hundreds in the web service library. IFTTT recipes range from sending messages to remotely operating home appliances. Users will be able to create their own recipes as well. Automatic will launch additional connected-car enhancements in the coming months.

“Ford is always looking for new ways, including working with other innovative companies, to improve our customers’ experience,” said Don Butler, executive director, Connected Vehicle and Services at Ford. “Teaming up with Automatic was the natural choice given their connected car technology and focus on enhancing the driving experience.”

Ford vehicles supported by Automatic’s technology include the 2011-2015 Ford Explorer, 2013-2015 Ford Flex, 2011-2014 Ford F-150, 2011-2015 Ford F-Series Super Duty and 2013-2015 Ford Taurus. Supported Lincoln vehicles include the 2013-2015 Lincoln MKS, 2013-2015 Lincoln MKT, 2011-2014 Lincoln MKX and the 2015 Lincoln Navigator. Ford and Automatic encourage drivers not to drive while distracted.

“Automatic exists to help people drive safer and smarter,” said Kote. “We’re thrilled to be working with Ford to improve the overall driving experience by connecting our shared customers and their cars to the Internet.”

The new Ford Automatic integration will be available by downloading the latest version of the Automatic iOS app in coming weeks. For more information, please visit automatic.com/ford.