Parkopedia Partners with Ford to Introduce Voice-Enabled Parking Search
Finding a parking space is not an easy task but Parkopedia is looking to solve this headache that plagues the masses. The world’s leading parking information provider, Parkopedia pairs millions of drivers with 28 million parking spaces in 40 countries around the world.
In a move to further enhance its service, Parkopedia has integrated its parking information with Ford in the Ford SYNC® AppLink, an in-car connectivity system. The app will be able to locate available nearby parking spots and get pricing information through simple voice commands, eliminating the need to touch your mobile phone while driving.
Eugene Tsyrklevich, CEO of Parkopedia said, “Working with Ford will help us reach millions of consumers who want to use technology to arrive at their destinations efficiently and on time, while hopefully avoiding a few parking tickets along the way.”
The SYNC AppLink-equipped Ford vehicles will simply activate Parkopedia by pressing the SYNC voice button on the steering wheel and saying “Mobile applications,” and then “Parkopedia,” to begin finding real-time available parking spots.
The SYNC AppLink is fitted in over 1.5 million Ford vehicles like the Fiesta, Mustang, Edge, Explorer, Flex, Expedition, Transit Connect, Fusion, Taurus, F-150, Super Duty, Focus, E-Series and C-MAX hybrids. “Parkopedia is expected to heighten the driver experience,” said Julius Marchwicki, global product manager for Ford SYNC AppLink, explaining the two firms have a similar goal to use tech to deliver convenient and efficient driving experiences.
The announcement was made at the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Other announcements include a partnership with Bosch SoftTec to supply Jaguar Land Rover with a parking service globally, a global agreement with Poynt to integrate Parkopedia’s parking service into Sprylogics’ Poynt App and Poynt-Enabled SDK and Volvo’s deal which will see Parkopedia’s parking service pre-installed in Volvo’s latest “Sensus Connect” infotainment system.
