Ford will bolster the 2009 Explorer by enhancing its proven stability
control system with the addition of Trailer Sway Control. Trailer Sway
Control joins an already impressive list of standard safety features
including industry-exclusive AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability
Control) this summer.
“When we first introduced AdvanceTrac with RSC on the Explorer in
2004 we offered customers even more security than traditional
stability control systems by including roll sensing,” said Steve Kozak,
Ford’s chief safety engineer. “And now with Trailer Sway Control we
are giving our customers who tow trailers more control of their load.
Ford is committed to continuing to develop features and technologies
that help make the driving experience easier and safer.”
Ford’s AdvanceTrac with RSC unique functionality has been
independently judged as the best performing stability control system
of any pickup, SUV or crossover. In general, the National Highway
Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute
for Highway Safety (IIHS) both agree stability control systems could
save more than 10,000 lives annually.
Trailer Sway Control works in conjunction with AdvanceTrac with RSC
to determine from the yaw motion of the vehicle if the trailer is
swaying and take measures – such as applying precise braking or
reduced engine torque – to bring both vehicle and trailer under
control.
Advance Trac with RSC delivers a level of performance that
competitive stability control systems can’t match. Unlike competitors
systems, Advance Trac® with RSC® utilizes a second gyroscopic roll
rate sensor to determine the vehicle's body roll angle and roll rate.
If the unique roll rate sensor detects a significant roll angle,
the system applies additional countermeasures — such as applying
brakes to one or more wheels or reducing engine power — to enhance
vehicle rollover resistance.
The IIHS reports that electronic stability control (ESC) systems
could prevent nearly one-third of all fatal crashes and reduce
rollover risk by as much as 80 percent. The IIHS researchers estimate
that if all vehicles were equipped with ESC, as many as 10,000 fatal
crashes could be avoided each year.
Ford Motor Company continues to advance its safety leadership.
AdvanceTrac® with RSC® is currently standard equipment on most 2008
Ford Motor Company SUVs. By 2010, AdvanceTrac® with RSC® will be
standard equipment on more than five million Ford and Lincoln Mercury
trucks, SUVs and vans.
2009 Explorer will also feature the XLT sport package. The interior
features Charcoal Black cloth seats, a white instrument cluster and
all-weather floor mats. Black-accented wheel lops, exterior step bar,
and fascia show off the sporty side of Explorer. The XLT sport package
is available in the following exterior colors: Sport Blue, Colorado
Red, Brilliant Silver, and Black.
New to the Explorer for 2009, a voice-activated navigation system
with Sirius Travel Link™ lets you access to up-to-the-minute
information and entertainment content through the vehicle’s navigation
system. The information includes: current gas prices from an estimated
120,000 filling stations; up to the minute traffic information for 78
markets; weather conditions; sports scores, and movie listings.