Ford and online listening hub Radioplayer have teamed up to enable drivers to listen to internet radio in Ford cars and vans.

The Radioplayer app works with with Ford’s SYNC with AppLink in-car connectivity system.

SYNC with AppLink connects apps on smart phones with Ford vehicles, meaning they can be voice controlled by the driver – as is already the case for bonded phones, radio and USB devices.

The Radioplayer app, developed by British firm All In Media, makes British radio stations available online navigable while driving without the need to divert attention from the road.

It is the first UK app enabled for Ford’s SYNC with AppLink.

Radioplayer, which is free to download, is already available on tablet, desktop and extends to more than 300 stations including all BBC national and local services, commercial stations and a selection of community and student radio stations.

Ford has sold more than 10,000,000 vehicles equipped with SYNC globally in the last six years and SYNC with AppLink debuts on the all-new Ford EcoSport small sports utility vehicle (SUV) next year, ahead of being rolled out across the Ford range by Autumn 2014.

Key features of Radioplayer’s app include:

• After bonding, saying “Radioplayer” enables browsing of UK radio, using just voice commands and controls on the steering wheel
• In ‘Recommended’ mode, the Radioplayer app will suggest stations, based on location, popularity and history

See a demonstration of the new Radioplayer app in the Ford EcoSport below.