If this is true, this is a big deal for both Microsoft and BlackBerry.

Ford Motor Co., struggling with in-car technology glitches, will base the next-generation Sync system on BlackBerry Ltd.’s QNX and no longer use Microsoft Corp.’s Windows, according to people briefed on the matter.

Using QNX will be less expensive than licensing Microsoft technology and will improve the flexibility and speed of the next Sync system, said the people, who declined to be identified because the decision hasn’t been made public. Ford has more than 7 million vehicles on the road with Sync using Microsoft voice-activated software to make mobile phone calls and play music.

BlackBerry bought QNX for $200 million back in 2010. Microsoft Sync and BlackBerry QNX are the two leading in-car operating systems.

Remember, Ford CEO Alan Mulally was a leading candidate to become the new Microsoft CEO. Interesting sequence of events.