Get ready for an app invasion in your car -- lots and lots of apps. They can make your driving fun, entertaining, and more useful, and they can save you money. And despite what your first thought probably is, they can also be used safely.

Ford (F 0.08%) has opened up its in-dash entertainment and communications system, SYNC, to all app developers -- and this open developer program won the company an Editor's Choice award from Popular Mechanics at the recent International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Motley Fool analyst Rex Moore spoke with Ford Chief Technologist John Ellis at the event. In this installment of a multipart series, Ellis explains his company's partnership with Amazon.com (AMZN -1.64%).