• Joint advanced research by Ford Motor Company and Auburn University shows that global positioning system (GPS) satellites could potentially monitor a vehicle's motion and communicate with in-car safety systems to help prevent accidents
• Virtual reality tests show that GPS satellites can precisely monitor a vehicle's motion, which could improve the speed and effectiveness of electronic stability control systems. The joint research is now moving into the prototype phase
• The research team will present initial research findings at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers' International Conference on Systems, Man and Cybernetics in San Antonio, Texas, Oct. 11-14
• Ford scientists in Dearborn, Mich., are working with researchers at Auburn University's GPS and Vehicle Dynamics laboratory in Auburn, Ala., as part of ongoing research with universities across the country focused on safety and sustainability

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 8, 2009 – A groundbreaking research project by Ford Motor Company and Auburn University shows that global positioning system (GPS) satellites that can "talk" to cars could help prevent serious accidents in the future.

The researchers have found potential for a GPS satellite to act as an early warning system that detects when a vehicle is about to lose control and communicate with the vehicle's stability control systems and other safety features to prevent a rollover or other serious accident.

The research findings will be presented next week at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers' International Conference on Systems, Man and Cybernetics in San Antonio, Texas, Oct. 11-14.

"A satellite orbiting the earth could someday prevent an auto accident," said Dr. Gerhard Schmidt, Ford's Chief Technical Officer and vice president, Research and Advanced Engineering. "We applaud the Auburn team for these advancements and look forward to working together on the next phase of this research, including developing prototype vehicles."

The project is part of Ford Motor Company's $4 million investment in university research programs in 2009, including 16 safety projects.

Auburn University's GPS and Vehicle Dynamics Laboratory, directed by Dr. David Bevly, received a three-year, $120,000 grant from Ford in 2008 as part of company's University Research Program. The research team is investigating the use of combining GPS and inertial measurement units data to provide precise information on a vehicle's motion. The data could be used to improve performance of a vehicle's electronic stability control system, a computerized technology that improves the safety of a vehicle's stability by detecting and minimizing skids.

"Stability control is one of the most important safety technologies of this decade," said Jeff Rupp, manager, Ford Active Safety Systems Engineering. "Ford is committed to safety leadership, and research partnerships like our work with Auburn help us achieve success."

The project's breakthroughs include developing algorithms combining data from sensors in Ford vehicles with data from GPS receivers. This coordination of data has led to predictive models that can calculate a vehicle's roll angle, sideslip and velocities under various driving conditions.

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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 201,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.