Ford creates aftermarket solution for tapping into music

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

But 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. Now Ford is offering an aftermarket accessory that provides the solution – the USB Music Box.

Offered through Ford dealers across the UK, 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:

Fiesta 2006 - 2008
Fusion from 2006
Focus 2004 - 2011
C-MAX 2003 - 2010
Kuga Mondeo from 2004
S-MAX Galaxy from 2006
Transit Connect from 2006
Transit from 2006

It is available in the UK from January 1, 2012 at the recommended retail price of £82.99 (including VAT, excluding dealer fitment charges).