Ford Cuts Program to Help Customers Use Sync, MyFord Touch Systems

Ford Motor Co. is eliminating a technology allowance it has been paying its U.S. dealers to help them show customers how to use their vehicles' Sync and MyFord Touch telematics systems, Automotive News reports.

Ford brand dealers have been receiving $50 on every sale of a vehicle equipped with the company's Sync voice recognition system. They also get $75 for each vehicle fitted with the more elaborate MyFord Touch touchscreen control system.

Ford says the Sync program will expire at the end of December, and the MyFord Touch payments will phase out when 2015 models go on sale next year.

Both systems have produced complaints from consumers and a resulting sharp drop in the Ford brand's ranking in the past three annual J.D. Power Initial Quality Studies. Each system has been updated, but dealers say they continue to handle many consumers who are struggling to master the technology.

Some dealers tell AN they have used the allowance to pay for full-time tech specialists.

Ford says it created the allowance in 2011 as a temporary program. The company hasn't indicated whether it plans to introduce a new technology assistance plan for its dealers.