SIRIUS Travel Link™ is an industry-leading technology that, when combined with the voice-activated navigation system, provides real-time traffic data with accident and incident information, coast-to-coast weather and fuel price information for more than 120,000 gas stations.

SYNC®: Traffic, Directions & Information leverages industry-leading voice-recognition software, integrated GPS technology and a customer's Bluetooth-capable mobile phone to provide simple, hands-free access to personalized traffic reports, precise turn-by-turn driving directions and up-to-date information including business listings, news, sports and weather.

 

This latest application of SYNC now is available for downloading on select 2010 Ford vehicles equipped with SYNC and becomes standard on all SYNC-equipped vehicles beginning with the 2010 Ford Taurus.

SYNC isn't just convenient: A new study shows that SYNC significantly reduces the level of distraction when drivers select a phone number or choose a song on their MP3 player compared with the same operations using hand-held cell phones and music players.

 

SmartGauge with EcoGuide™ is an innovative new instrument cluster that provides real-time information to help Fusion Hybrid and Milan Hybrid drivers maximize fuel efficiency. The unique design uses two high-resolution, full-color liquid crystal display (LCD) screens on either side of the analog speedometer that can be configured to show different levels of information, including fuel and battery power levels, and average and instant miles-per-gallon. Growing leaves and vines track and reward the driver's efficiency.

Active Park Assist uses sensors on the front and rear of the vehicle, working in conjunction with Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS), to guide the vehicle into a parallel-parking space. Here's how it works:

 

The driver activates the system by pressing an instrument panel button, which enables the ultrasonic sensors to measure and identify a feasible parallel-parking space.

The system prompts the driver to accept assistance to park the vehicle.

The steering system 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 as to 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.

 

Adaptive Cruise Control allows the vehicle's speed to be set and maintained without using the accelerator pedal. The radar-based system also can monitor the vehicle in front (up to 600 feet) and adjust the speed to help keep it a safe distance behind the lead vehicle.

EPAS with Pull-Drift Compensation detects road conditions, such as a crowned road surface or crosswinds, and adjusts the Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system to help the driver compensate for pulling and drifting. For drivers, Pull-Drift Compensation is designed to be unnoticeable as the system adjusts to help with conditions.

 

Ford Work Solutions™ features an in-dash computer that provides full high-speed Internet and wireless accessories that include a mouse and printer; Tool Link™, a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) asset tracking system that enables customers to maintain a real-time inventory of tools or equipment stored in the vehicle; Crew Chief™, a fleet telematics and diagnostics system; and the Cable Lock security system to secure equipment in the cargo area.

The Rear View Camera system provides a clear view to the rear of the vehicle when backing up, working through a small camera that is activated when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. The video image is displayed on the vehicle's rearview mirror (or on the navigation screen, if equipped). The screen image includes an industry-first centerline and colored guides giving the driver a better perspective of the vehicle's center point and periphery.

 

The Easy Fuel® Capless Fuel-Filler System is a North America exclusive feature that provides customers a hassle-free, odor-free and more-consistent seal than a manual fuel cap. The system automatically seals shut when fueling is completed and the nozzle is removed.

The Pressure-Based Air Bags on some new Ford vehicles use pressure pulses from a side impact to deploy 30 percent faster than a traditional air bag system that uses acceleration-based sensors. Pressure-based sensors help predict crash forces before the full impact occurs, and more accurately measure accident crash severity to help better differentiate between a potentially dangerous air bag-deployable crash and relatively harmless daily abuse that should not require air bag protection. The 2010 Ford Taurus and 2009 Ford F-150 are some of the industry's first vehicles to feature the new pressure-based technology.

 

The MyKey™ system is designed to encourage safer teen driving. Parents simply program the vehicle key through the message center to incorporate features such as:

Limited top speed of 80 mph

Traction control system cannot be deactivated

Audio system muted until safety belts fastened; system then limited to 44 percent of maximum volume

A speed alert chime at 45, 55 or 65 mph

Collision Warning with Brake Support operates in conjunction with the Adaptive Cruise Control system and is designed to help drivers avoid rear-end collisions. Using long-range radar hidden in the front of the vehicle, Collision Warning detects slower moving vehicles ahead and warns the driver of a collision risk with an alarm and warning light. If the collision risk increases despite the warning, Brake Support is activated, which pre-charges and prepares the brakes to enable harder, quicker deceleration to aid in a panic stop and lessen the impact of a collision.

 

 

BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) alerts drivers to obstacles that may be lurking in the blind spot. When traffic enters the driver's blind spot on either side of the vehicle, a warning light illuminates and a message also is displayed in the vehicle's message center, if equipped.

Cross Traffic Alert helps warn drivers of approaching traffic while backing up by using two advanced radar sensors to detect moving objects within 65 feet of either side of the vehicle. Two warnings are given: An indicator light illuminates in the corresponding outside mirror and an audible alert is sounded.

 

 

Integrated Blind Spot Mirrors in the side-view mirror housings aid visibility by better showing vehicles in the blind spot. When traffic enters the driver's blind spot on either side of the vehicle, it is visible in the convex mirror.

Adaptive Headlamps enhance nighttime visibility by illuminating more of the road and reducing glare from oncoming traffic. Sensors monitor vehicle speed and steering wheel input, engaging electric motors that pivot the left headlamp up to 5 degrees and the right headlamp up to 15 degrees to increase the driver's field of vision.

AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™) is the industry's only available electronic stability control system with two gyroscopic effect sensors. AdvanceTrac with RSC measures vehicle motion along both the yaw and roll axes, automatically engaging countermeasures to help the driver maintain maximum control and reduce the risk of rollover.