Parallel parking is now as easy as pressing a button with Ford’s new Active Park Assist.
Available mid-2009 as an option on the 2010 Lincoln MKS sedan and the all-new Lincoln MKT seven-passenger luxury crossover, drivers will find parallel parking a breeze thanks to Active Park Assist. With the exclusive new technology from Ford Motor Company, drivers will never have to touch the wheel, as the smart technology system uses sensors on the front and rear of the vehicle to direct the vehicle into a parking space.
Enabled by Ford’s advanced Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) technology, which also helps improve fuel economy up to 5 percent while reducing CO2 emissions and enhancing performance, Active Park Assist has numerous advantages over the camera-reliant systems offered by competitors: Active Park Assist requires less driver interface, reduces the risk of selecting a parking spot that is too small and 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.
By 2012, Ford plans to fit nearly 90 percent of the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury lineup with EPAS, which will also allow Ford to offer Active Park Assist in more models.
Quotes
“With the touch of a button, Lincoln MKS and MKT drivers can parallel park quickly, easily and safely without ever touching the steering wheel. 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.”
- Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s Group Vice President of Global Product Development
“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. This is technology not for the sake of technology, but technology designed to meet the needs and wants of customers.”
- Ali Jammoul, Ford’s Chief Engineer for Chassis Engineering and Steering Systems
Tags: 2010 Lincoln MKS, 2010 Lincoln MKT, Active Park Assist, electric power assisted steering, Ford Technology
