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Ford Ends the Parallel Parking Nightmare
Dec 30 2008 by Sherrice Gilsbach
I avoid parallel parking with every ounce of my being. I haven’t attempted a parallel parking maneuver since drivers’ ed in high school. It’s true! So I was really impressed to learn that Ford is introducing an Active Park Assist feature on the 2010 Lincoln MKS, which will be available in summer 2009.
I know what you’re thinking: “Didn’t Lexus already introduce this feature?” Well, yes and no. Ford’s system uses ultrasonic-based sensors and electric power assisted steering to position your car for parallel parking, calculates the optimal steering angle and quickly steers the car into a parking spot with the touch of a single button. This technology is supposed to be a step above the Lexus system which utilizes video cameras to determine how to steer the vehicle. According to Ford execs, the system works faster and more accurately than the Lexus system, and should be less expensive as well.
In addition to helping ease parallel parking woes, the system also increases fuel economy by up to 5 percent while reducing emissions and enhancing performance, compared with traditional steering, Ford says.
“This is technology not for the sake of technology,” said Ali Jammoul, Ford’s chief engineer for chassis engineering and steering systems, “but technology designed to meet the needs and wants of customers.”
If a Lincoln MKS is not in your price range, you will be happy to know that by 2012, Ford plans to fit nearly 90 percent of its Ford, Lincoln and Mercury lineup with this system, putting it within reach for the masses.
This is really one great innovation that Ford has added to its cars. Perhaps, or should I say, surely, this will entice their spectators other than form the fact that these cars carries the ford emblems.