Home Add to Favorite Contact Submit  
           29 March, 2024


    
Category:  Press » Automotive

 

Ford's New 'Active Park Assist' Makes Parallel Parking a Breeze for Lincoln MKT and MKS Owners

Popularity:
         Views: 1598
2008-12-30 06:39:07     
Ford Motor Company

-- New Active Park Assist helps drivers parallel park with the touch of a button and without ever touching the steering wheel

-- Available in mid-2009 on Lincoln MKS sedan and all-new Lincoln MKT crossover

-- Active Park Assist uses ultrasonic-based sensing system and Electric Power Assisted Steering to steer the vehicle into a parking spot

-- Electric Power Assisted Steering also improves fuel economy up to 5 percent, while reducing CO2 emissions and enhancing performance, compared with traditional steering

The often stressful and frustrating task of parallel parking soon will be as easy as pressing a button for owners of the Lincoln MKS flagship sedan and all-new Lincoln MKT seven-passenger luxury crossover, thanks to an exclusive new technology from Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) called Active Park Assist.

Available in mid-2009 as an option on the 2010 Lincoln MKS sedan and new Lincoln MKT crossover, Active Park Assist uses an ultrasonic-based sensing system and Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) to position the vehicle for parallel parking, calculate the optimal steering angle and quickly steer the vehicle into a parking spot.

"With the touch of a button, Lincoln MKS and MKT drivers can parallel park quickly, easily and safely without ever touching the steering wheel," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of Global Product Development. "This is another example of exclusive Ford smart technology, such as Ford SYNC, that makes the driving experience easier and more enjoyable for our customers."

Active Park Assist system uses sensors on the front and rear of the vehicle to guide the vehicle into a parking space. The technology is a major leap forward in speed and ease of use compared with the camera-reliant systems offered by competitors, including a video camera-based system offered by Lexus. Ford's system requires less driver interface and reduces the risk of selecting a parking spot that is too tight. Ford's Active Park Assist also works in downhill parking situations, unlike competing systems.

Here's how Active Park Assist works:

-- The driver activates the system by pressing an instrument panel button, which activates the ultrasonic sensors to measure and identify a feasible parallel parking space.

-- The system then prompts the driver to accept the system assistance to park.

-- The steering system then takes over and steers the car into the parking space hands-free. The driver still shifts the transmission and operates the gas and brake pedals.

-- A visual and/or audible driver interface advises the driver about the proximity of other cars, objects and people and provides instructions.

-- While the steering is all done automatically, the driver remains responsible for safe parking and can interrupt the system by grasping the steering wheel.

Active Park Assist is enabled by Ford's advanced EPAS technology. In addition to helping with parallel parking, EPAS improves fuel economy up to 5 percent, while reducing CO2 emissions and enhancing steering performance compared with traditional hydraulic powered-assisted steering systems. EPAS saves fuel primarily because the steering system is powered by an electric motor connected to vehicle's battery, as opposed to engine-mounted hydraulic pump steering systems.

By 2012, Ford plans to fit nearly 90 percent of the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury lineup with EPAS.

"As we use advanced technology like Electric Power Assisted Steering to improve the fuel efficiency across our vehicle lineup, we have the opportunity to introduce new comfort and convenience innovations like Active Parking Assist," said Ali Jammoul, Ford's chief engineer for chassis engineering and steering systems. "This is technology not for the sake of technology, but technology designed to meet the needs and wants of customers."

As Ford introduces EPAS in more vehicles, it will be able to offer Active Parking Assist in more models. In addition, Ford is working on using EPAS and other sensors for other smart technologies, including one that could prevent a vehicle from drifting out of lane on the highway.

Active Park Assist works in tandem with other new technologies that will be offered on the 2010 MKS and MKT and other Ford Motor Company vehicles, including Blind Spot Information System (BLIS(TM)) and Cross Traffic Alert. BLIS employs a sensor on the outboard rear quarter panel that monitors the traditional blind spot area, and can notify the driver with a warning indicator light in the corresponding side view mirror if the sensors in this optional system detect a vehicle in the blind spot. Cross Traffic Alert uses BLIS sensors to help detect cross traffic when backing out of a parking space.

More details about the new Lincoln MKT seven-passenger luxury crossover will be available when it debuts at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

The Lincoln MKS sedan -- which went on sale this summer with strong initial sales that have helped Lincoln gain share in the luxury segment in the second half of this year -- raises the bar on exclusive technologies offered in a luxury car. The Lincoln MKS features:

-- Adaptive Cruise Control, which allows the driver to set and maintain the vehicle's speed, while a radar monitors traffic ahead. This optional system automatically adjusts speed and slows the vehicle to maintain the set distance behind traffic ahead.

-- Intelligent Access with Push Button Start, which allows the driver to enter the Lincoln MKS and start the engine without using the key. Drivers simply carry the special fob as they approach the vehicle, touch the keyless entry keypad on the B-pillar, open the door and, with the brake pedal engaged, start the engine by pushing a button.

-- SecuriCode(TM) Keyless Entry Keypad, which is the next generation of a feature familiar to many Lincoln owners. It allows access to Lincoln MKS by unlocking the driver's door by entering a pre-set five-digit code. The newest version is now flush-mounted to the B-pillar with backlit numerals that illuminate to the touch.

-- Adaptive Headlamps with Standard High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Lamps, which enhance nighttime visibility by illuminating more of the road ahead. Sensors monitor the vehicle's speed and steering wheel input to engage headlamp movement and increase the driver's field of vision.

-- Rain-Sensing Wipers, which use an optical sensing system to gauge precipitation and automatically activate and adjust the wipers. The Lincoln MKS driver can choose among five sensitivity settings.

-- EasyFuel(TM) Capless Fuel-Filler System, which provides a hassle-free and more consistent seal than a manual fuel cap. EasyFuel self seals when refueling is complete.

-- SYNC, which is standard on the Lincoln MKS. This award-winning voice activated communications and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft fully integrates Bluetooth(R)-enabled mobile phones and digital media players into the vehicle. SYNC incorporates 911 Assist, which can notify a local 911 emergency operator in the event of an air bag-deploying incident. SYNC Vehicle Health Report feature can keep the driver notified of scheduled maintenance, service intervals and vehicle system health information.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 224,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit http://www.ford.com.

Print press release      Bookmark this page
Related Press releases 
Continental Mitsubishi offers customers the option to defer payment on new Mitsubishi models and used vehicles for 90 days (Popularity: ): COUNTRYSIDE, Ill. - April 17, 2020 -- Continental Mitsubishi, a dealership serving the automotive needs of Chicago and the entire surrounding area, is currently offering buyers of both new and used vehicles the option to defer payments for 90 days. This offer applies to both new Mitsubishi models and vehicles from its extensive pre-owned inventory.The special payment deferment offers from Continental Mitsubishi are being implemented in an effort to provide ...
Pedal-operated electric motorcycle: World première of the new eROCKIT (Popularity: ): Hennigsdorf, Berlin (abc-directory) June 25, 2019 - Flurry of flashlights and prominent guests at "TheDrivery" in Berlin, Germany! Last week the launch of the eROCKIT 2019 Series was celebrated with celebrities, press, partners and clients. The unique pedal-operated electric motorcycle is synonymous with gigantic acceleration, 100% riding fun and 0 emissions. The evening's VIP guests were greatly impressed by the prize-winning design and the charisma of the eROCKIT in the world ...
Halifax Used Cars Agency Announces Cash Back Offers for Select Customers (Popularity: ): Dartmouth, NS ( abc-directory.com ) July 4, 2018 - Hayden Agencies is a one-stop shop for people looking for used cars in Halifax. They have been offering a wide range of vehicles, including SUVs, trucks, coupes, hatchbacks, sedans, and ATVs, for more than thirty years. The used car dealer has recently announced a slew of discounts, including cash back offers, referral credits, and discounts for select customers.Potential customers can now ...
Keystone Automotive To Offer Wire-Free Rear View Vision System (Popularity: ): Peterborough, NH - February 03, 2017 -- Keystone Automotive to Offer Wire-Free Rear View Vision System to Wholesale Distributor NetworkHyndsight Vision Systems has recently become a wholesale vendor partner with Keystone Automotive Distribution, the nation’s largest wholesale distributor of aftermarket automotive accessories and equipment. Keystone distributes to every state in the U.S., Canada and abroad. Hyndsight’s versatile new portable, rear view wire-free vision system will be made available through Keystone’s ...
Metro Limo Cars Launches Its New Website For Limo Service in Oakland County & Surrounding Areas (Popularity: ): Southgate, MI —October 17, 2016— Metro Limo Cars, a professional and reliable company offering airport transportation and limousine service in Oakland, MI and areas is pleased to announce the launch of its new website. Located at limomacombcounty.com/, the new website offers an easy and quick access to essential information about Metro Limo Cars and its very popular and trusted airport limo service in Oakland County, MI and limo service in ...


Related Business 
I Wanna Park LLC. (Popularity: ): I Wanna Park LLC was created by a team of parking experts, including Capital Parking and BLK/WHT Valet owners/operators Iman Bambooyani and James Weiss, and senior management consultant Umut Tekin, to provide a faster, more convenient and more efficient parking experience. With many years in the parking industry, our team brings a significant amount of knowledge and experience to create a whole new way to park downtown.
Warrick Ford Warranty Online (Popularity: ): Warrick Ford offers genuine ESP Ford extended warranties for all qualifying makes and models of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles. Shopping the Internet is a great way to save hundreds of dollars off the retail price of your genuine Ford ESP warranty plan. Not only do you avoid overzealous and commissioned salespeople at your local dealership, but dealing with us is an easy and pleasurable experience.
UK Car Park Management Ltd. (Popularity: ): UK Car Park Management is a leading parking management organization offering professional and ethical car parking solutions in order to successfully remove all type of unauthorized or inappropriate parking problems from your car park areas. We offer one stop solution for your car parking problems by offering dedicated car parking management, parking permits, maximum stay, no parking at any time, parking enforcement, parking control, parking maintenance, line marking, litter picking, ...
Ford Dealers Los Angeles (Popularity: ): New and used cars, parts and service. Locations in Buena Park and Carlsbad. Ford enthusiasts in the LOS ANGELES, SAN DIEGO, and ORANGE COUNTY areas have helped keep Ford one of the most popular makes on the road today.
Dagenham Motors (Popularity: ): Dagenham Motors, Ford London, is the largest Ford dealership in London and the South East. Whether you require a new Ford car, a used Ford car or a commercial Ford vehicle in London, the team at Dagenham Motors can advise you on the vehicles and available Ford finance options. Current owners of a Ford in London can also visit Dagenham Motors for a free Ford part exchange valuation, MOTs, Ford ...
Koch Ford Lincoln (Popularity: ): At Koch Ford Lincoln Sales Ltd., we look forward to serving you, or valued customer, for years to come. Enjoy your visit to our Web site (www.kochfordlincoln.com), and please stop by our dealership, located at 5121 Gateway Boulevard NW, Edmonton, AB. and speak with one of our representatives today!
SVT Texas - The Cobra Club of North Texas (Popularity: ): Founded to unite owners of the flagship of Ford musclecars, open to owners of Ford Mustangs, Cobra, Lightning, Contours or any other Ford product.
One Stop Parking (Popularity: ): One stop parking is a well established company that provides you with high quality parking service at very reasonable rates. They provide alternative seaport and airport parking in all domestic and international airports all over the United States. Parking services are offered in all areas that are near major airports. If you want to park cheaply, you should consider onestop because they are affordable as compared to other bus parking ...
Designated Parking Corp. (Popularity: ): Get reserved vip parking, parking barriers, parking bollard, parking bollards, parking design, parking gates, parking permit, parking posts, parking supplies, parking systems from Designated parking. Our ranges of barriers combine superior construction and technology to meet every challenge and any budget.
Lincoln Park First Aid Squad (Popularity: ): Providing emergency services to the Lincoln Park area since 1965.