Ford is working on a way to bring motoring and smartphone technology together by allowing cars to run apps, and communicate with mobile devices. The number of people using automotive apps globally has reached 1.4 million this year and this figure is expected to rise to over 28 million by 2015.

Owners of the new Ford Fiesta will be able to download AppLink, software that will allow the car to run a range of smartphone applications. Those with Research In Motion Blackberrys and Android phones will have in-car access to services such as Pandora Media online radio. Additionally, Ford expects to announce the release of other car-friendly smartphone applications in the near future. In early October, the manufacturer was reviewing over 1,000 app ideas.

The automaker has said that since the launch of the SYNC system, which allows people to do in-car business searches and get driving directions, it has seen vehicles with SYNC capability fly off the forecourts in the U.S. According to Ford’s research, non-Ford owners are three times as likely to consider the brand after viewing demonstrations of SYNC.

The creation of technology that enables cars to run applications is set to change the way we drive. Some manufacturers are looking at the possibility of being able to download videos and music via wireless connections. Director of advanced system development at General Motors’ OnStar unit Steve Schwinke said,

“We are starting to see a change toward more segmentation. You are trying to provide more services that satisfy very well smaller segments of the population."