(August 1, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford is dropping the price on its hands-free, voice-controlled in-car connectivity by a $100. Ford has also expanded availability of Ford SYNC by offering it as an option on base trim levels for the first time.

The new pricing will be available first on the 2012 Ford Explorer and Edge base models.

Customers who opt for SYNC will pay only $295 for the in-car connectivity system, previously priced at $395. In addition, SYNC will now be available on all trim levels,

“Ford SYNC is making a difference. Our customers love it and recommend it, and our dealers want it on more products,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “SYNC already has brought hands-free, voice-activated in-car connectivity to millions, helping keep drivers’ eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. Now, Ford is making it even easier for customers to afford exactly what they want.”

The move marks the company’s latest push to make voice control the primary and safest way for customers to access their favorite mobile devices while driving — a capability more and more drivers are clamoring for, according to the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA).

In a 2010 study, the CEA found that 55 percent of smartphone owners, for example, prefer voice commands as their primary in-car user interface. SYNC users agree, with internal Ford research showing more than 85 percent say they use voice controls while driving, up from 60 percent in previous studies.

“As the list of states banning hand-held calls and texting while driving continues to grow and legislators ponder a nationwide ban, Ford is strengthening its leadership position as the only full-line automaker with plans to offer available hands-free mobile device connectivity on 100 percent of its passenger vehicle lineup,” said Czubay.

SYNC has been installed already on more than 3 million vehicles since its debut in 2007.