This week there has been plenty of back and forth on the whole MyFordTouch debacle. When it was introduced I wasn't exactly sold on it and here's why:
I like simple cars.
Something tells me I am not in the minority either since it seems that Ford's reputation has taken a few lumps thanks to the complicated nature of MyFordTouch, which is supposed to make things easier. I remember driving the all-new Ford Explorer for the first time and it was pretty annoying; however, you have to remember: if you own the product you will get used to it but just keep in mind there will be a learning curve.
Remember when the Porsche Panamera debuted? The car has buttons all over the center console and was chastised for being button centric, but if you actually own the car you'll know where everything is within a week!
Aside from that though, the author of the story this article links to brings up a good point. After saying that she understands the US automakers are under tremendous pressure to perform, she writes:
"But adding certain hi-tech bells and whistles isn't the way to do that. It is the basic design and performance of the car that really counts."
Is she onto something OR should domestics continue to do their best to innovate?
...Even though Ford insists it did not bring the touch screen technology to its customers too quickly, I have to disagree. Have you ever wondered why many touch-screen cellphones also have a keypad? Consumers have a certain tolerance for failure in consumer electronics because first, they've been conditioned to accept them, and second, consumer goods aren't commonly mission-critical. But if you live in the Northeast, not defrosting your windshield is every bit as dangerous as driving without your prescription lenses.
I understand that US carmakers are under a lot of pressure to become more competitive with foreign motor companies. But adding certain hi-tech bells and whistles isn't the way to do that. It is the basic design and performance of the car that really counts. Safety is the first priority, with energy efficiency/gas mileage coming in a close second. And until the MyFord Touch, Ford had a pretty good safety record, for all its other faults...
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