Ford Focus offers parking assistance
Substantial technology investment on the all-new, next-generation Ford Focus brings an unprecedented level of driver assistance features to its segment, including an advanced parking-assist technology generally found only in larger, more expensive vehicle
The often stressful and frustrating task of parallel parking can now be as easy as pressing a button, thanks to an exclusive technology from Ford called active park assist.
The innovative technology 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, drivers can parallel park quickly, easily and safely without ever touching the steering wheel, said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president, global product development.
“This is another example of exclusive Ford technology that makes the driving experience easier and more enjoyable for customers.”
Ford’s technology is a major leap forward in speed and ease of use compared with the camera-reliant systems offered by competitors. Ford’s system requires less driver interface and reduces the risk of selecting a parking spot that is too tight. It also works in downhill parking situations.
To activate the system, the driver presses an instrument panel button, which activates the ultrasonic sensors on the front and rear of the vehicle to measure and identify a feasible parallel parking space – these spaces can be just a metre longer than the overall vehicle length.
Once a suitable space has been identified, the driver is alerted and the system 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 controls the accelerator and brake, and selects a forward or reverse gear, while the system turns the steering wheel automatically.
Clear parking instructions are shown in the cluster display using simple text and graphics. The standard front and rear-parking sensors also provide an audible warning to help the driver judge when the car is getting close to the surrounding vehicles. To assist accurate parking in tight spots, the system will ask the driver to move the vehicle backward and forward until properly positioned.
Active park assist is enabled by Ford’s advanced electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) technology. In addition to helping with parallel parking, EPAS improves fuel economy up to 5 per cent, while reducing CO2 emissions and enhancing steering performance compared with traditional hydraulic power-assisted steering systems. It saves fuel primarily because the steering system is powered by an electric motor connected to the vehicle’s battery, as opposed to engine-mounted hydraulic pump steering systems.
“Crowded urban parking puts additional pressure on the driver. Focus gives buyers a compelling option in active park assist, designed to make parallel parking a breeze,” said Ali Jammoul, director, Chassis Engineering.
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