What You Need to Know About Ford Self-Driving Car Technology
You’ve heard the terms ‘autonomous’, ‘auto-pilot’, and ‘self-driving’.
They’re all pointing in the same direction, and that’s toward vehicles that can
operate without driver input. It sounds like science fiction, but it isn’t
fantasy at all. At Ford, the self-driving car technology is a focus for the
not-so-distant future.
Ford
Autonomous Vehicles
A whole division of Ford Motor Company is dedicated solely to the
research and development of self-driving car technology. Headed by CEO Sherif
Marakby, Ford Autonomous Vehicles LLC is tasked with bringing a Ford
self-driving car to market, and soon. According to the Autonomous 2021 mandate
at Ford, they’ve committed to releasing a Level 4 self-driving car to the
commercial market by 2021!
Why
Self-Driving Cars?
If you’ve ever enjoyed being chauffeured around, you’ll understand why
self-driving car technology and implementation is so important to Ford and
other carmakers. Spending your time, attention, and energy behind the wheel of
your car is one of the least productive things you can do, even if you
thoroughly enjoy driving your Ford.
Autonomous cars are much like having a personal chauffeur. As the car
proceeds to your destination, you can be productive in the passenger seat. You
can respond to emails or messages or video conference with the office. You can
focus your attention on your family in the backseat or play games with your
kids during the drive. And if you’re tuckered out, a short nap may be in order
too.
The Ford self-driving car won’t be for everybody, but it will have a
clearly defined place in on the streets. It’s ideal for a delivery vehicle and
heavy transport vehicles, and it’s the perfect solution for transportation-as-a-service
need.
Where
It’s At
To develop self-driving car technology, Ford Autonomous Vehicles has
partnered with Argo, a leader in the industry. The plan is to integrate
self-driving car hardware and technology into current models to test them in closed
facilities and in real-world settings.
Currently, Ford Autonomous Vehicles has around 90 Ford Fusion Hybrid
sedans equipped with self-driving technology. This fleet of self-driving cars
is being tested on the streets in California, Arizona, and Michigan. And in
just a few short years, Ford’s goal of a fully-autonomous car in production
will be a reality.
You’re already seeing bits and pieces of the technology entering the
market today. Check out the 2019 Ford Edge, equipped with Co-Pilot 360
technology as standard equipment. With features like Adaptive Cruise Control
with stop and go and Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping System, and Evasive
Steering Assist, you can see the technology is already creeping into
production. And check out Enhanced Active Park Assist – it helps a drive by
automatically parallel parking, exiting a parking spot, reverse perpendicular
parking, and front, rear, and side sensing.
Autonomous 2021 isn’t far away. Ford Motor Company constantly strives to
offer the best technology and services possible, so you can get the most out of
your Ford.
To find out more contact your Southern California Ford Dealers.
