The European division of Ford announced on Monday that its Sync system with MyFord Touch will feature WiFi connectivity on the new Focus starting from 2012. The infotainment system will create a password-protected WiFi hotspot inside the car allowing up to five devices to be connected. The service will be free of charge, as the in-car internet connection will use customers' existing USB modems or compatible smartphones to access the web.

The Focus will be the first compact car sold in Europe to benefit from this feature of the Sync, but the technology will also be available later in other Ford models sold across the continent. The system delivers a secure wireless connection that is broadcasted throughout the car, with passengers being able to easily connect and access the internet via any WiFi enabled device.

“We’re finding that Ford customers are tech savvy and – while travelling as passengers in cars – they want to be able to use their WiFi enabled devices while on the move,” said Christof Kellerwessel, chief functional engineer, electronic and electrical systems engineering.

“A reliable in-car Internet connection is therefore extremely important to them, and that’s exactly what SYNC will offer when it makes its European debut on the Ford Focus in 2012. SYNC with MyFord Touch will offer rolling connectivity to Ford customers and everyone in a SYNC-equipped car can benefit at no additional expense,” added Kellerwessel.

In order to be compatible with the latest hardware and devices on the market, Ford will release software updates for the Sync whenever necessary. By default, the internet connection will be set to WiFi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) in order to prevent unauthorized users from accessing the network.

By Dan Mihalascu