Fisher continued by pointing out that SYNC was "developed by Ford in partnership with Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT) and it allows users to access their MP3 players and navigate by song, artist, album, or playlist using simple voice commands. SYNC enables Ford customers to use almost any Bluetooth-enabled phone to make hands-free calls. SYNC will even read text messages over the vehicle's speakers, so drivers can keep their eyes on the road."

SYNC is big business -- in 2008 Ford sold 500,000 vehicles with SYNC, and in 2009, Ford expects to sell1.3 million SYNC-equipped vehicles. As Paul Anderson, Ford's Manager for Cross Vehicle Marketing & Strategy, said "We want to make the technology available to the masses. Unlike our competitors who offer a new feature on the luxury model and work their way down to the lower-priced models, we started with the small, inexpensive Ford Focus and we are making SYNC available to anybody who needs or wants it. SYNC costs $395 and is thus an inexpensive option, and it is standard equipment in some models. By the end of 2009, SYNC will be available in 70% of our vehicles."

SYNC seems like a better idea to me. If you've tried it, comment below and let us know how you like it.

Peter Cohan is president of Peter S. Cohan & Associates. He also teaches management at Babson College. His eighth book is You Can't Order Change: Lessons from Jim McNerney's Turnaround at Boeing. He has no financial interest in the securities mentioned.