Ford utilises social media in deciding new EV sound

Ford have been well known for their focus and use of social media to drive the company forward, being one of a few number of companies being allowed to set up a company profile on Google+. In another example of the company interacting with their audience, last month Ford posed the question on Facebook, what engine sound their new Focus Electric should have?

The reasoning for this is because in January this year, the US mandated that all vehicles on the road must make artificial noise to alert pedestrians and cyclists of their presence when being driven. What noise the cars make is currently being discussed but that hasn’t stopped Ford from conducting its own tests and research

Ford have stated that they are considering more than 10 different sounds for the new car but gave Facebook followers the choice between four different sounds (Sound A, Sound B, Sound C and Sound D). Followers were asked to rate the sounds in order of preference with the first being their favourite and the last being least favourite. At time of writing, over 415 followers have commented on the post with more comments and opinions rolling in every day.

The Focus Electric will come with an instrument panel that allows you to monitor the car’s energy consumption when driving. The car will also come with an app that will allow you to see the status of the car while it’s charging; allowing you to plan around the time it takes the car to fully charge. Ford hope that the model will be released sometime near the end of this year.

But which sounds do you think suit the car, do any of the sounds suit or should Ford go back to the drawing board (or in this case, the recording studios)?