# Next-Gen GPS Ford, SYNC and Best Buy Promote Futuristic Electronic Driver Aids (CES 2009) By Katie Cordrey | Published 2009-01-09 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sync-my-ride-ford-sync-best-buy-next-gen-gps-electronic-assistant References: [autoblog](http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/08/ces-2009-microsoft-ford-update-sync/) & [pcmag](http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2338595,00.asp) Ford showed off what its SYNC system might one day look like at the 2009 CES in Las Vegas. The video demos configurable controls and a personal assistant “avatar” named Eva. This is definitely targeted to a female marketplace, which is smart given the fact that women participate in a whopping 80% of purchases for all goods and services. Yesterday, Mark Fields, Ford's VP, announced that Ford is working with [Best Buy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/best-buy-1) to educate mobile phone customers about SYNC. Best Buy will be educating consumers through its standalone mobile phone stores. When paired with a Bluetooth-enabled smart phone, SYNC has a number of new capabilities and is compatible with Ford’s infotainment system. Ford, [Lincoln](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lincoln-model-l100-concept) and [Mercury](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-outboard-motor) vehicles equipped with SYNC sell nearly twice as fast as those that don’t include it. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.8/10 - Popularity: 24% | Activity: 81% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Configurable Controls:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop new user interfaces and control systems that offer personalized and customizable experiences. - **Personal Assistant Avatars:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create virtual assistant technologies that can engage with users and enhance the driving experience. - **In-car Infotainment:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Innovate and improve in-car entertainment and information systems to provide seamless integration with mobile devices. ### Where This Applies - **Automotive:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate advanced connectivity and technology features into vehicles to enhance the user experience and attract tech-savvy consumers. - **Mobile Electronics Retail:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Partner with automakers to provide education and support for consumers in adopting new in-car technologies. - **Consumer Electronics:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop new electronic devices and accessories that complement in-car connectivity and entertainment systems. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Auto-Branded Digital Experience Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ford-digital-experience.md) - [Android-Powered Infotainment Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2025-ford-explorer.md) - [Smart Drive Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skipgen.md) - [Advanced Automobile Driver Assists](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bluecruise.md) - [Modern Connectivity-Focused Auto Packages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ford-connectivity-package.md) - [Hands-Free Driving Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/passenger-princess.md) - [Intelligent Infotainment System Updates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/google-infotainment-system.md) - [Tech Brand Vehicle Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/afeela-car.md) - [Hands-Free Car Innovations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/british-deaf-association.md)