CES 2012: NPR Plays With Ford Sync

By Enid Burns -- TWICE, 1/12/2012

LAS VEGAS -- NPR listeners will have a new experience if they drive a Ford car: the ability to listen to on-demand radio through a Sync AppLink-enabled NPR News app.

The app is a first in its category. NPR News is the first dedicated news app for Sync AppLink, which Ford is launching this week at International CES.

From NPR's perspective, it's another way to provide one of those "driveway moments" when "listeners sit in the driveway to listen to the rest of the segment," said Gary Knell, president and CEO of NPR.

The AppLink program actually connects the car, and builds menus within Ford Sync, with apps on a smartphone such as an iPhone, Android or other handset. The NPR app works with Sync to build menus that can be accessed on the dashboard, on the steering wheel, and also by voice.

Listeners select specific programs such as "Fresh Air," "Car Talk," or "All Things Considered;" topics such as politics or hourly news or politics; and even choose from NPR stations around the country for varied programming.

"NPR is now taking advantage of the advanced smartphone control interface that we've built into Sync AppLink to enable a wider range of information and entertainment options for our customers," said Doug VanDagens, global director of connected services at Ford Motor Company, in a statement.

The NPR app is immediately available through Ford Sync on a range of 2012 model Ford vehicles including Fiesta, Mustang, F150, Fusion and Focus. The platform will be exhibited in the Ford booth in the North Hall, Grand Lobby and lower meeting room 2230.