PROTOTYPE: Ford reveal new technology
Ford are testing cutting-edge cars which can park without a driver and automatically swerve past pedestrians or obstacles.
Using existing technologies – Active Park Assist and PowerShift transmission – Ford’s Research and Advanced Engineering division have produced a Focus equipped with the Fully Assisted Parking Aid system.
The next-generation push-button parking technology can even be activated by remote control, and operates steering, gear selection and forward and reverse motion.
Ford are also testing Obstacle Avoidance technology on the Focus, which issues warnings if it detects slow-moving objects, stationary obstacles or pedestrians in the lane ahead.
If the driver fails to steer or brake following the warnings, the system automatically steers and brakes to avoid a collision.
Barb Samardzich, Vice President of European Product Development at Ford, said: “The future for Ford means developing innovative products and technologies – including Fully Assisted Parking Aid and Obstacle Avoidance – that help deliver a safer, more convenient, more desirable, more personalised and greener driving and ownership experience.
“Ford Motor Company has always been one of the world’s leading pioneers and forward-thinkers.
“From the introduction of a whole new way of mass producing cars 100 years ago to the advanced safety and convenience features unveiled today, we continue to set the template and define the future for drivers and the automotive environment.”
Ford’s futuring experts claim there is increasing consumer demand worldwide for technology and features which make life easier and safer.
Sheryl Connelly, Global Trends and Futuring Manager at Ford, added: “Car-buyers are placing a growing emphasis on the ownership experience, on purchases that keep them connected on the move – trends that will have an effect on the vehicles, features and services they will choose in the future.”
