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CHICAGO -- The convenience created by MyFord driver connect technology and touch-sensitive controls is seamlessly and innovatively blended in the MyFord Touch with Sony Audio System finish panel standard on the 2011 Ford Edge Limited and 2011 Ford Edge Sport.

The easy, engaging customer use is enhanced by touch cells, which create a miniature, undetectable electric field. A finger – even a thin-gloved one – breaks the field and causes the cell to go on or off like a traditional switch. This means there is no true button to push – a swipe of the finger does the job. Illumination along with an audible “beep” confirms activation.

The touch cells can control items such as volume, radio seek, radio station tuning, CD track seek, defrosters and air conditioning. Included in the climate controls is the new MyTemp feature, which allows a customer to program and set the desired interior temperature like a radio preset.
 
The Sony finish panel is fully integrated into the 2011 Ford Edge Limited and Ford Edge Sport.

“This treatment goes far beyond mere badging; this electronic finish panel fully embraces Sony DNA with the familiar high-gloss black finish and unique treatment of the touch cells,” said Sonya Nematollahi, driver information and electronic finish panels engineering supervisor.

The Sony panel is completely flat (except for the center knob), so the touch cells are executed as circular “landing zones” for the finger. Consistent with other Sony products, the audio portion of the control panel is divided into “Source” and “Sound” sections, allowing customers to select the input (AM/FM radio, HD Radio™ broadcasts, satellite radio, CD, personal devices) and tune the sound with bass, treble, fade and balance inputs on the screen.

The heart of the Sony Audio System is its extraordinary sound quality. Comprised of 12 high-quality speakers and a Class D all-digital amplifier, the Sony system has the ability to pump out 390 watts of continuous power (RMS). Further, Dolby Pro Logic® II technology creates true virtual 5.1 channel surround sound throughout the car for a unique listening experience.

“The addition of MyFord driver connectivity technology and all the features those conveniences offer as well as touch-sensitive capabilities in the center stack control panels create an environment and experience not found anywhere else,” said Nematollahi.