Ford 'video snack' makes technology more appetizing

Whether you opt for it or not, many cars sold today come loaded with technology. Some drivers are savvy and learn how to navigate many of the features right away; others drive for months or even years before they crack the code of their vehicle's capabilities. Ford's new video snack approach presents a palatable method of teaching new car owners all they want to know about their new vehicle.

Ford's video snacks are brief how-to's that cover several tech features in a clear, step-by-step format. Tutorials are available on everything from how to use Ford's MyKey and remote start options to how best to use integrated blind-spot monitors.

When the customer is in the dealership signing on the dotted line, their Ford salesperson can present them with a list of features their new car offers. The customer selects each feature they'd like to learn more about and an email is immediately generated with links to the video snacks for each selection.

The salesperson can either go over each video with the customer right then and there or the customer can access the how-to's at their leisure.

Helping new-car owners familiarize themselves with in-car technology is a growing trend. When Cadillac launched its new infotainment system, Cadillac User Experience (CUE), it also rolled out a tech-services team that hit dealerships to teach sales and customer-service representatives the ins and outs of the technology.

An app was also designed to mimic the layout, controls and functions of CUE so that customers could familiarize themselves with the system before ever setting foot in the car. OnStar call centers were also equipped with experts ready to help guide any OnStar user through the basics of CUE. Lastly, Cadillac initiated a follow-up process in which a CUE expert calls each new Cadillac owner shortly after the purchase to check in and ask if they have any questions regarding CUE.

We're not sure Ford's new video snacks will get rid of the bad taste Sync with MyFord Touch has left in consumers' mouths, but we've included a sampling below. Bon app

By Sherrice Gilsbach