Skip to main content

Ford to triple investment in semi-autonomous cars

Speaking at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Ford president and CEO Mark Fields said that the company will triple engineering investment in driver assist technology, speeding the roll-out of semi automated systems that make it easier to park and drive in heavy traffic as the company continues to expand its Ford Smart Mobility plan. Fields’ keynote at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona focused on Ford’s transition from an automotive company to an auto and a mobility company through Ford Smart Mobil
February 23, 2016 Read time: 3 mins
Speaking at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, 278 Ford president and CEO Mark Fields said that the company will triple engineering investment in driver assist technology, speeding the roll-out of semi automated systems that make it easier to park and drive in heavy traffic as the company continues to expand its Ford Smart Mobility plan.

Fields’ keynote at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona focused on Ford’s transition from an automotive company to an auto and a mobility company through Ford Smart Mobility, the company’s plan to be a leader in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, customer experience, and data and analytics.

Fields also confirmed that FordPass, the company’s new customer experience platform, debuts this year in Europe. New partners for FordPass include BP and mobile parking payment company Mobile City. FordPass also will integrate Ford Carsharing, run with Germany’s Flinkster Carsharing. 7374 Parkopedia, the global database for parking spaces, allows all FordPass members to search for parking, based on location, cost, availability and user ratings. In addition, as an on-street parking payment provider, Mobile City will help to provide a more seamless parking experience by enabling drivers to pay fees through FordPass.

The company has a dedicated team developing driver assist technology that is focused on delivering increasing levels of automation.

Traffic Jam Assist helps the driver with steering, braking and acceleration in heavily congested traffic situations on motorways. Easily activated by pushing a button, the system helps keep the vehicle centred in the lane and brakes and accelerates to keep pace with the vehicle in front.

Fully Active Park Assist will help drivers by steering and controlling the transmission, throttle and brake to seamlessly pull into a parking spot at the touch of a button.

Further semi-autonomous technologies already introduced by Ford include  Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, a camera- and radar-based system that detects vehicles and people in the road ahead; and Intelligent Speed Limiter, which could help prevent drivers from exceeding speed limits, and potentially from incurring costly speeding penalties.

“As we look to the future, it is clear we are on the cusp of a revolution in mobility – from car sharing to autonomous driving to the customer experience,” Fields said. “Technology and innovation provide us with the opportunity to address these trends and to make people’s lives better by changing the way the world moves.”

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Seattle's 'Smarter Highways' recognised by ITS America
    January 31, 2012
    The Seattle Smarter Highways initiative has been recognised by ITS America with a Smart Solution Spotlight award for using innovative technology to create a safer, cleaner, more efficient and sustainable transportation system.
  • Fast and efficient barrier-free electronic toll collection
    May 21, 2012
    Canada’s 407 tolled highway allows non-stop travel and a fast and efficient way of paying for it. Ontario’s 407 ETR highway features one of the most advanced barrier-free and all- electronic toll collection systems in the world. The company that operates the road launched the latest phase of its strategy to provide end-to-end automation in summer 2011. A self-service website is now available, allowing users to view and pay charges online using technology supplied by the international market leaders in e-bil
  • Integrated traffic management solutions from Swarco
    October 15, 2012
    Swarco will use its ITS World Congress exhibition stand to focus on the company’s integrated solutions capabilities in urban and interurban traffic management, parking and e-mobility and public transport. The company’s Omnia all-in-one solution for intelligent traffic management will be on display as will its solution for energy-efficient intelligent street lighting. A premiere is a joint application of carmaker BMW with road operator Asfinag and signage specialist Swarco to foster knowledge about the Rettu
  • Integrated traffic management solutions from Swarco
    October 15, 2012
    Swarco will use its ITS World Congress exhibition stand to focus on the company’s integrated solutions capabilities in urban and interurban traffic management, parking and e-mobility and public transport. The company’s Omnia all-in-one solution for intelligent traffic management will be on display as will its solution for energy-efficient intelligent street lighting. A premiere is a joint application of carmaker BMW with road operator Asfinag and signage specialist Swarco to foster knowledge about the Rettu