Ford Motor Co.
Image

Ford pushes ahead with Livio software integration

Dec. 27, 2013

Ford Motor Co. continues to move forward with the integration of software developer Livio, which it acquired back in September, to help beef up the capability of its SYNC connectivity system and AppLink application programming interface.

The OEM said Livio builds products and software tools to support smartphone/car connectivity and its purchase of Livio is designed to accelerate the development an industry standard for smartphone-to-vehicle communications.

The market for such “in-vehicle connectiviety” is larger and growing, according to the automaker, as over 1.9 million vehicles were delivered with smartphone integration solutions in 2012 – a number expected to reach 21 million vehicles by 2018, according to report from London-based research firm GSMA, which represents the global mobile industry.

In terms of its own vehicles, Ford said reached a milestone with production of the 3-millionth SYNC-equipped vehicle in 2011 and that customers have opted for SYNC and MyFord Touch on nearly 80% of 2013 model vehicles.

By 2015 the OEM expects more than 14 million vehicles worldwide will be equipped with SYNC and 7 million vehicles with SYNC’s AppLink, which allows for driver voice-control of mobile applications.

Ford said Livio’s software-based advanced vehicle information and entertainment solutions improve the connection between software and hardware. By acquiring the firm, Ford said it hopes to create a single vehicle interface standard gives developers the opportunity to write software faster and more efficiently, providing customers the apps they want to use more quickly.

About the Author

Fleet Owner Staff

Our Editorial Team

Kevin Jones, Editorial Director, Commercial Vehicle Group

Cristina Commendatore, Executive Editor

Scott Achelpohl, Managing Editor 

Josh Fisher, Senior Editor

Catharine Conway, Digital Editor

Eric Van Egeren, Art Director

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Boost truck leasing profits with telematics insights! Reduce maintenance costs, improve uptime, and strengthen customer relationships. Learn how data drives success.
This free guide outlines simple steps for hiring and onboarding commercial drivers while ensuring that you meet Regulation Part 391 and maintain fully compliant driver qualification...
Ready to boost fleet efficiency by up to 50%? Learn how AI-powered dispatch and next-gen tech are transforming TMS workflows, improving driver planning, and streamlining operations...
Gain a strategic edge in today’s evolving fleet landscape. Join us to explore how fuel cards are helping fleet managers cut costs, enhance control, and prepare for an electrified...