Arrives on highways of Europe the “hands off” guide by Ford BlueCruise, on Mustang Mach-E. Introduced advanced driver assistance system level 21.2, hands-free at the wheel. Ford marks an important turning point for motorists. The green light for use on the motorway network in Great Britain.
So it is the first system of this type approved on the European continent. Drivers of 193,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with BlueCruise. These have traveled more than 102 million kilometers in Canada and the United States. Where BlueCruise was recently named Consumer Reports’ top rated active driver assistance system.
Now with the green light for Ford BlueCruise3,4 technology from the UK Department of Transport. Model drivers Mustang Mach-E enabled, they can use autonomous driving “without hands at the wheel, with eyes on the road”. On 3,700 kilometers of motorway in Scotland and Wales, designated as a Blue Zone.
Ford BlueCruise, comfort and driver assistance
Con BlueCruiseil comfort of the driver and the safety guaranteed by the advanced assistance are on a higher level. The system monitors traffic signs. Real-time speed limits and traffic conditions to control steering. Acceleration, braking and lane positioning. In addition to maintaining a constant safety distance and stopping completely in the event of a traffic jam.
Ford Mustang Mach-E, fonte sito Ford
In addition, sophisticated infrared camera technology constantly monitors the driver’s attention. This is to ensure that he is always aware of road conditions, for better safety and reliability.
Ford BlueCruise, the words of Martin Sander
“It’s not every day you can say you’ve stepped into the future, but the fact that Ford BlueCruise has become the first self-driving system of its kind to receive approval for use in a country on the European continent, it is a significant step forward for our sector”. The words of Martin Sander, General Manager of Ford Model e in Europe.
Sander continues: “Modern highways can be challenging and full of pitfalls for many, even the most self-confident drivers. BlueCruise takes care of the most stressful operations, to make driving on the motorway less tiring and to give drivers more safety and comfort”.
Discover Revolut, your online account directly from your home
Ford Mustang Mach-E MY 20235 UK customers can activate BlueCruise via subscription6. The first 90 days are included with your vehicle purchase and thereafter, there’s a £17.99 monthly subscription that gives you the flexibility to cover car journeys and extended holidays, enabling the advanced predictive assistance system that’s available. capable of supporting the driver in complete safety and comfort.
Ford Mustang Mach-E, fonte sito Ford
“It is an important moment for our sector. As Ford BlueCruise becomes the first self-driving system of its kind to receive approval for use in the UK.” He explains Lisa Brankin, Managing Director of Ford UK & Ireland. “We have always strived to make technology accessible to our customers and BlueCruise represents the next step on that journey, with the aim of making highway driving an ever more comfortable experience.”
Developed with no less than 1.1 million kilometers of tests on roads all over the world. To make Ford’s advanced driver assistance systems suitable for different conditions.
BlueCruise offers an intuitive and reliable experience. It represents a significant milestone in Ford’s journey to a leadership position in mobility solutions.
“It’s great news that Ford has chosen us for the European launch of BlueCruise technology and I’m thrilled that this country is once again at the forefront of innovation.” Tells Jesse Norman, UK Transport Minister.
“The latest advanced assistance systems make driving smoother and easier, and at the same time help increase road safety by reducing the possibility of driver error.”
According to forecasts BlueCruise it can be activated in other European countries. When the regulatory conditions allow it; in the next few years the system will be extended to other Ford vehicles.
Ford BlueCruise, eyes are always on the road
Il BlueCruise it builds on the capabilities of Ford’s Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC)2. Already available in many European Ford models. They are able to automatically keep a constant distance from the vehicle ahead in traffic. Even within the permitted speed limits, up to a complete stop in case of heavy traffic.
The new Hands-free mode allows drivers to steer by keeping their hands off the wheel. In the strokes highways allowed called Blue Zones, while still paying attention to the road, all in maximum comfort.
Before switching to hands-free self-driving mode. Vehicles equipped with BlueCruise check that the lane markings are visible. The driver has his eyes on the road and that all other conditions are met. The system uses animations visible on the instrument panel.
Through a blue text and lighting, also effective for people with color blindness. This notifies you when “Hands-free” mode is available.
Designed to reach a maximum speed of 130 km/h, BlueCruise uses a combination of radar and cameras. To detect and follow the position and speed of other vehicles on the road. A front camera detects lane markings and speed signs. Another key thing, the system also uses an infrared camera facing the driver.
Located under the instrument cluster, it monitors the driver’s gaze and head position, even when wearing sunglasses, to ensure they stay alert and focused on the road.
If the system detects driver inattention, warning messages are displayed in the instrument cluster, followed by audible warnings: at which point the system activates the brakes to slow the vehicle, maintaining full steering control. Similar actions are performed if the driver does not put his hands back on the wheel when prompted, as soon as he leaves a Blue Zone.
Ford Mustang MachE, source site Ford
Ford is also working with regulators and exploring opportunities to provide BlueCruise through a future Ford Power-Up software update for Mustang Mach-E models built before 2023 and equipped with Tech Pack or Tech Pack+.
European experimentation
To test the latest generation of advanced driver assistance systems – including BlueCruise and its driver support features – Ford engineers carried out 160,000 kilometers of tests on European roads, in addition to the 965,000 kilometers covered in the US and Canada before that the system be introduced in these countries.
Trial trips to Britain helped demonstrate the ability to handle the circumstances motorists encounter every day, such as worn lane markings, bad weather and roadworks.
“There’s a good reason why Ford BlueCruise is the first hands-free driving system licensed for use on our continent: we’ve proven beyond a doubt that it can assist you in driving, ensuring – when active – that the driver keeps his eyes on the road for his own safety and that of his passengers. This means that BlueCruise can also make the journeys of other road users more comfortable and safer,” said Torsten Wey, manager Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, Ford of Europe.
BlueCruise is the latest technology for the Mustang Mach-E, which also includes Pre Collision Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0 2 and Ford’s SYNC 4A connectivity system7 with a 15.5-inch touchscreen.
Additionally, Ford Power-Up software updates can use the connectivity of FordPass Connect8 to continuously improve your vehicle and add new features from the comfort of your home.
With an all-electric driving range of up to 600 km9, supported by the Ford Blue Oval Charge Network – the largest in Europe with over 450,000 charge points, and growing steadily – the Mustang Mach-E is one of the nine 100% electric vehicles available in the Ford lineup in Europe by 2024. The Blue Oval aims to achieve zero emissions for all its vehicles and carbon neutrality across its European plant, logistics and suppliers by 2035.