Ford drivers in Europe and North America are now able to use what3words location technology to provide precise voice-activated navigation through Ford’s SYNC3 infotainment platform.
Described as an addressing system, the what3words technology divides the world into a grid of 3m x 3m squares and assigns each a unique three-word address – made of three dictionary words and designed to be used via voice or text input.
The partnership with Ford – the first volume carmaker to deploy the solution – is intended to bring drivers faster and more accurate navigation as well as enabling navigation to anywhere; including destinations without an address.
The initial rollout will enable Ford drivers to simply connect the free what3words app – on an iOS or Android device – to their vehicle via their SYNC 3 infotainment platform. They can then input a three-word address by voice or text, in six languages, and navigate to that precise 3m x 3m square.
Don Butler, executive director, Connected Vehicle Platform and Product, Ford, said: “From commercial vehicle drivers working from a mobile office to those driving for leisure on-the-go connectivity is now more important than ever. With the addition of what3words to the AppLink and wider SmartDeviceLink ecosystem, Ford is providing an important new tool to help get the job done, enabling drivers to navigate to their destinations – wherever they may be – quickly, confidently and accurately.”
Chris Sheldrick, CEO and co-founder of what3words, added: “We are more mobile than ever before, but with that comes its challenges. The growing traction that what3words is gaining within the automobility industry is a testament to how we are improving journeys and customer experiences.
“Our partnership with Ford cuts through common driver frustrations, for the first time offering precise navigation by voice to accurate addresses. We are on a mission to help everyone talk about everywhere and we are very excited to be able to bring our technology to the Ford community.”
