The service will be launched in Germany next month, where it will be offered as an option on the Ford Focus, followed by a UK rollout, the companies said last week.

GPS on Wheels

The in-car system uses Vodafone's services and integrated GSM (global system for mobile communications ) cellular and GPS (global positioning system) technology.

The system initially will feature emergency and roadside assistance, traffic information, and operator- and voice-controlled service, and the companies said it eventually will offer personalized information including news, stock quotes, weather and messaging.

"We anticipate that within five years, nearly all new Ford vehicles will be fitted with some type of telematics system, making advanced affordable mobile information and safety technology accessible to all our customers," said Ford of Europe president and chief executive officer David Thursfield.

24/7 Assistance

The system's main functions are accessed using four buttons on the front panel of the stereo system in the Ford Focus. The complete audiosystem will cost customers an extra 845 euros, according to published reports.

An SOS button connects with emergency services -- which are alerted when an airbag deploys -- and uses GPS to pinpoint the vehicle's location. A second button provides a direct link to the 24/7 Ford Telematics Operator services, which offer route information, tips to avoid traffic jams, and locations of gas stations, hotels and local attractions.

Automatic retrieval of local traffic information and an interactive voice interface allow a driver or passenger to make phone calls and access personal information using voice recognition and text-to-speech technology, Ford said. The service is linked to a personal homepage accessible by wireless Internet.