MyFord employs familiar cell phone-style five-way buttons and clear LCDs to provide expanded information and help manage the functionality available to drivers. It is complemented by a new generation of Ford's powerful SYNC connectivity package, which includes a sophisticated voice control system, Bluetooth and satellite navigation, along with connection points for a variety of devices and media players.

MyFord retains the traditional automotive interior layout – instrument cluster in front of the driver, center stack dividing the dashboard – and adds LCD screens to provide much of the visual information.

Drivers decide what information is presented by using a combination of voice controls and five-way cell phone-style buttons mounted on the steering wheel.

MyFord divides information in a familiar fashion (opposite illustrations): left-hand and right-hand. A five-way switch, similar to the one found on most mobile phones and MP3 players, exists on each side of the steering wheel crossbar to control the information.

“The steering wheel has all the necessary functions available in a very compact area, right where your hand falls as you grab the wheel,” said Gary Braddock, Ford group chief designer. “And the five-way buttons will feel familiar to anyone who has used a mobile phone or MP3 player. Drivers aren’t forced to use an unfamiliar interface like a joystick or rotary knob.”

On basic MyFord trim levels, display duties are handled by two 4.2-inch full-color LCD screens, one in the center of the instrument panel and another atop the center stack. Higher-specification versions use a 4.2-inch LCD in the center of the instrument panel and an 8-inch touch-screen display in the center stack.

The instrument panel display, controlled by the left-side five-way controller, contains information about the vehicle: fuel economy, mechanical status, safety features and other information typically found in the vehicle message center. The center stack display, controlled by the five-way controller on the right side, contains information relating to the vehicle occupants: entertainment system settings, climate control information and communications functions.

Focus models with a touch-screen use a combination of on-screen buttons and the right-hand five-way controller to manage information.

Additionally, the voice command system made popular with Ford SYNC has been simplified and expanded, allowing users to control more with fewer words. Called “flattened syntax,” SYNC no longer requires an initial function command, so “Phone” followed by “Call John Smith” now becomes the more conversational “Call John Smith.”

For technophiles, MyFord can be configured to display the information they want in the way they want it. For technophobes, radio, heating and air-conditioning controls are still accessible via familiar stack-mounted controls, so there’s no need to learn a host of new commands to operate the vehicle.

As new and refreshed models continue to arrive on the world stage, all Ford vehicles will be available with an implementation of MyFord. There may be minor variations across car lines and different regions throughout the world, but the interface will be instantly recognizable in Ford vehicles across the globe.

Other available safety and convenience technologies include keyless entry and “Ford Power” start button, a rearview camera and a semi-automatic parallel parking system that automatically steers the vehicle into a parking spot.