Ford previewed its next generation Sync platform at a recent press event at its Irvine headquarters in California, revealing a number of new features that are set to appear this November. The new Sync V2.0 platform is coupled with Sirius Travel Link and offers greater support for the existing syncmyride.com portal, providing users with two new features.

One of the new functions is ‘911 assist,’ a system that uses a Bluetooth paired mobile phone to dial local emergency services automatically should a vehicle’s airbag be deployed. The other is the ‘Vehicle Health Report,’ a feature that can run a real-time diagnostic report of your vehicle and then display the data at the SyncMyRide website.

Ford also used the event to reveal details about its third-generation Sync system, which is due to the hit streets “sometime” next year. The new system will be able to provide free traffic, news, sports and weather reports all with one voice-operated command. In the meantime, users can subscribe to Sirius Travel Link for $7 a month, enabling access to real-time traffic info, weather, fuel station prices, movie show-times and sports scores.

For the uninitiated, Sync is a voice-activated infotainment platform that integrates your car’s communications and entertainment systems with a host of external devices such as music players, PDAs and mobile phones.

Via: Engadget