"Drive Smart" Technologies

Ford is delivering technology innovations that meet consumers' need to get more done in their vehicles, enjoy their driving time more and get better value from their vehicle purchases. We are introducing a wide range of "smart" technologies that increase access to information, entertainment and communication options while driving. These new technologies will give drivers a new level of vehicle efficiency, productivity and connectivity, and will make their lives easier. Furthermore, we are responding to customers' increasing demand for excellent value by offering these premium technologies on a wide range of our vehicles, not just our luxury vehicles.

These innovations also reflect Ford's commitment to deliver the best possible technology by working with industry leaders in communications, information and entertainment technologies. For example we joined with IDEO and Smart Design to develop a new smart dashboard display system for our hybrid vehicles. We worked with Microsoft, DEWALT, Master Lock®, Mario Magnelli, Garmin and Sprint to deliver our new Ford Work Solutions™ package. And, we worked with SIRIUS to deliver our next-generation navigation systems.

Some examples of our new "smart" technologies include the following.

• SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide, a dashboard display that gives drivers information to help them maximize the fuel efficiency of their hybrid vehicle.
• Voice-Activated, Next-Generation Navigation with SIRIUS Travel Link™, which allows drivers to access up-to-the-minute, voice-activated information on traffic conditions, weather, area gas prices, sports scores and movie listings. The system responds to voice commands for destination programming and route selection. In addition, it provides enhanced route guidance features such as street name announcements and detailed freeway exit, turn and ramp position lane guidance.
• Ford Work Solutions™, a suite of four in-vehicle technologies that offers drivers connectivity, flexibility and security to better run key aspects of their business from their Ford truck or van, including high-speed Internet access, radio-frequency identification tracking for real-time tool inventory and the ability to manage their fleets. The technologies were developed through hands-on research with contractors and skilled tradespeople around the United States to ensure the technologies met their needs.
• Next-generation voice-activated SYNC®, which expands Ford's award-winning hands-free communications and connectivity system. The new generation of SYNC will include industry-leading voice recognition software and will integrate GPS navigation technology and a customer's Bluetooth-capable mobile phone to deliver personalized traffic reports, precise turn-by-turn driving directions and up-to-date information, including business listings, news, sports and weather – without requiring a built-in navigation system.
• Ford signature HMI, or Human Machine Interface, which will integrate all of Ford's in-vehicle connectivity, communication and information technologies with a single easy-to-use display.
• Intelligent Access w/Push Button Start, a new keyless entry and vehicle ignition system that allows drivers to enter and start their vehicles without using a key.
• MyKey™ allows parents or fleet administrators to activate a restricted driving mode. When enabled, MyKey features a Persistent Beltminder® with Audio Mute until safety belts are buckled, an earlier low-fuel warning and consistently engaged AdvanceTrac® stability control, Blind Spot monitoring, Cross Traffic Alert and Forward Collision Warning. Additional programmability includes restrictions on audio volume, limiting top speed to 80 mph and speed chime warnings at 45, 55 or 65 mph.
• Easy Fuel™ Capless Fuel Filler System is an industry-exclusive feature that self-seals without a traditional fuel cap. The technology also results in fewer evaporative emissions due to a much better seal that shuts automatically when fueling is complete. Easy Fuel will be standard equipment across the entire Ford, Lincoln and Mercury product line by 2010.
• Sony® branded audio components deliver sound from a variety of sources, with an AM-FM tuner, SIRIUS Satellite radio, CD, DVD audio and an integrated 10 GB hard drive for storage of up to 2,400 songs. This technology will be installed in all new Ford and Mercury vehicles.
• Multi-Contour Seats are an industry-first seating technology for both driver and passenger that integrates a six-way lumbar support and subtle rolling pattern massage. The bottom cushion features Active Motion, which helps relieve fatigue without distracting the driver. This technology will deliver significant benefits to long-distance drivers or people with back trouble.