Safer Vehicles

Injury Reduction Technologies

One method of assisting emergency responders to reach the scene of a vehicle crash quickly is through in-vehicle emergency call systems, also called post-crash notification. These systems enable a driver to summon assistance in an urgent situation either automatically (if, for example, an air bag deploys) or at the touch of a button. In late 2004, Ford, via its membership in the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) regarding the development of a pan-European, in-vehicle emergency call system dubbed "eCall." The purpose of the MOU is to promote the development and implementation of eCall systems throughout Europe, in order to improve the number of vehicles reached by emergency responders within a short period of time.

The On Call system – a GSM- and GPS-based emergency and assistance system1 – is currently available on Volvo vehicles and is sold in seven European countries. Ford's Volvo brand is the first OEM to have the service working across borders in 13 European countries. The infrastructure is now fully installed and operating in the UK, Sweden, France, Italy, Belgium, Luxemburg, Austria and Denmark. Over the next few years, Ford will offer the On Call service to other markets as well. With the On Call system – and also through efforts to make eCall available utilizing customer's mobile phones (the so-called "Bluetooth® solution") – Ford has made and will continue to make significant progress toward increasing the availability of eCall technology on vehicles in Europe.

In addition, Ford's active involvement in the Global System for Telematics integrated project, supported by the European Commission, demonstrates the company's commitment to progressing this important subject.

In the U.S., Ford SYNC™ is a new, award-winning, in-car connectivity system that was introduced on selected 2007 model year vehicles. Starting with the new Ford Flex and Lincoln MKS, SYNC-equipped 2009 model year vehicles will come with an all-new occupant communications capability called 911 Assist. In the event of a crash, the ability to directly contact the local 911 emergency operator could be critical, for both the vehicle occupants and first responders. While any cell phone alone could be used in an emergency situation, SYNC will be ready to assist in placing a call to a local 911 emergency operator – when a phone is properly paired, turned on and connected to SYNC and where the system and cell phone remain powered and undamaged – should a crash with an air bag deployment or fuel shutoff switch activation occur.

This voice-activated feature will also be available to customers with 2008 model year SYNC-equipped vehicles through a dealer-installed software update. See the SYNC case study for more information.