Developed in conjunction with Microsoft, Sync is a voice-activated in-car system that will allow occupants to verbally control phone calls, text messages and digital media players like iPods.

If it does what it promises, Sync will be a tech and safety boon. But Ford will only put Sync in Ford/Lincoln/Mercury -brand vehicles for at least the first year. No wonder Ford's European luxury brands can't get ahead--Volvo, Land Rover and Jaguar owners are paying a premium and not getting the cutting-edge technology of... a new Focus. Go figure.