With Rise of Speed Cameras, Ford’s ‘Speed Limiter’ Feature Becomes a Surprise Must Have

• Ford technology enabling customers to set a maximum speed limit for their car is the most popular driver assistance feature across the Ford range
• More than 220,000 Ford cars sold across Europe last year were equipped with speed limiter systems; with 86 percent of Mondeo, 85 percent of S-MAX and 83 percent of Kuga vehicles sold, all fitted with the feature
• Adjustable Speed Limiter helps drivers to stay within speed limits and avoid costly fines by enabling them to set a top speed  between 15km/h and 170km/h; the system can be temporarily overridden by pressing the accelerator firmly

BRENTWOOD, UK, March 22, 2012 – Horsepower, precision handling and advance technology may stir the passions of car buyers, but with speed cameras popping up like weeds all across Europe, a Ford feature that allows drivers to limit their top speed has become an unlikely favourite.  

Ford’s Adjustable Speed Limiter enables drivers to set a maximum speed in order to reduce the risk of speeding fines or bans through inadvertently exceeding the legal limit. (Click here for video of the technology)

More than 220,000 Ford cars equipped with this technology were sold in 2011, outstripping every other driver assistance feature in the Ford range. A total of 86 percent of customers ordered the system on Mondeo, 85 percent on S-MAX and 83 percent on Kuga.

“At the press of a button this technology helps you to limit the speed of your vehicle,” said Dr Torsten Wey, technology supervisor, Ford of Europe. “It only takes a momentary lapse of concentration to exceed the speed limit which is why the Ford Adjustable Speed Limiter technology gives drivers so much peace of mind.”

Adjustable Speed Limiter, introduced in 2010, enables drivers to set a top speed of anywhere between 15km/h and 170km/h. Exceeding the self-selected limit results in a reduction of the  fuel supply to the engine and the vehicle slowing down.

There are an estimated 35,000 safety cameras throughout Europe. One in five motorists in the UK alone has been caught by safety cameras since 1996. During 2008 and 2009, UK safety cameras generated £87 million in fines.

France has 1,895 fixed and 933 mobile safety cameras and its government has pledged to introduce another 1,000 cameras by the end of 2012. In Italy, there are 5,636 fixed safety cameras with more being installed all the time.

“Adjustable Speed Limiter is now available on the majority of cars we produce and the demand proves just how valued it is,” Wey added. “If you set a maximum speed you don’t have to constantly look at the speedometer.”

Further Ford models featuring Adjustable Speed Limiter include Galaxy, Focus, C-MAX and Grand C-MAX.

Adjustable Speed Limiter – how it works

• The driver activates the system by using switches on the steering wheel
• The speed limit can be raised or lowered by 5 km/h increments
• The system works by smoothly limiting fuel supply to the engine when the pre-set speed limit is reached
• If speed increases because of a steep gradient, audio and visuals warnings are given
• If the driver needs to overtake a vehicle, the system can be temporarily over-ridden by pressing the accelerator firmly

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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 164,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

Ford of Europe is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 51 individual markets and employs approximately 66,000 employees. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford of Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 22 manufacturing facilities, including joint ventures. The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911.