Ford rolls out updates to some of brightest stars

DETROIT (WJBK) - The Ford Motor Company has a large fleet of vehicles that people know just by looking at them. So they brought in a big star with similar recognition.

Ryan Seacrest was on the stage at the Joe on Monday for Ford's big unveiling at NAIAS. It's a relationship he's proud of.

"I've been working ford for 15 years since the early days of our signing competition American Idol," Seacrest said.

As for the cars, they were talking about the cars they already have and how they're making them better.

The new Ford Raptor will be roomier than ever, more agile than ever, and have better traction. Plus, it comes with a ten speed transmission.

As for the Escape, Ford revealed some new technology: Sync Connect.

"The first in the world with sync connect, linking the vehicle to your smart phone to help you find it in a crowded parking lot or even start the engine remotely," Joe Hendrichs, Ford's President of the Americas, said.

The Ford Fusion is the game changer, the company says. It's got all wheel drive, twin turbo charged V6, and it outpowers the BMW 340.

Then we get to autonomous driving, something Ford is studying in all climates, including snow.

"Today, we're announcing another major step. snow is one of the most extreme driving conditions which is also true for an autonomous vehicle. snow blocks sensors and obviously creates slippery conditions. this testing will help us take fully autonomous vehicles to the ultimate level," Rob Nair, VP of Ford Product Development, said.

Hendrichs also talked with Murray Feldman about Ford Pass. Watch what's new in the interview above!

But Ford's not done. On Tuesday, Lincoln takes the stage, which includes a more affordable Lincoln than ever before.