Plug In, Turn Up, Rock Out: Ford Creates Sound Solution For Tapping Into Music

• Ford USB Music Box is an aftermarket accessory enabling drivers of vehicles not factory-fitted with a USB port to connect any USB mass storage device to their vehicle’s stereo
• Songs and albums can be selected via the steering wheel-mounted controls
• Devices such as phones and MP3 players recharge when connected

COLOGNE, Germany, Dec. 16, 2011 – As anyone who has spent a long journey endlessly flicking through radio stations will testify, sometimes only your own music collection will do.

However, if your vehicle doesn’t have a factory-fitted USB port, connecting your MP3 player can often result in a maze of wires, inferior sound quality, and no remote control function. Thankfully, Ford is now offering an aftermarket accessory that provides the solution – the USB Music Box.

Offered through Ford dealers across Europe, the USB Music Box enables drivers and their passengers to plug their MP3 player, or any USB mass storage device, into the car and listen to their choice of music in razor sharp quality.

Axel Wilke, director, Vehicle Personalisation, Ford Customer Service Division Europe, explained: “Many of our newer vehicles are fitted with a USB port as standard, but drivers of older vehicles don’t have to miss out anymore. The USB Music Box lets you connect any USB mass storage device, it produces a great sound quality very similar to that of the radio - and it also gives you the ability to flick between songs and albums via the controls on their steering wheel. And it can charge the device too!”

The USB Music Box consists of a USB socket, which can be placed out of sight in the glove compartment, centre console or armrest. Any USB mass storage device, such as a mobile phone, MP3 player or USB stick, can be connected. Stored music can then be played through the AUX channel on the car’s stereo. Songs, albums and folders can be selected through the steering wheel-mounted controls, while devices such as mobile phones, MP3 players and cameras will automatically recharge whenever they are connected.

Simple Plug and Play wiring means the device can be fitted and ready to play your favourite tunes in less than an hour.

Specifications:

The USB Music Box is compatible with all Ford audio and navigation systems with AUX button in these models:

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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.fordmotorcompany.com.

Ford of Europe is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 51 individual markets and employs approximately 66,000 employees. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford of Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 22 manufacturing facilities, including joint ventures. The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911.