Believe in the F150 Ecoboost Engine – “Ford F-150 Ecoboost Torture Test”

The New Ford F150 with the 3.5 liter eco-boost is making believers of truck owners nationwide. Its unique combination of power and fuel economy is unparallel, and for those people worried about durability, and the old adage of waiting for a new engine to “prove it-self” – well check this out!

The Ford F150 Ecoboost Torture Test

Step one, Ford randomly select an F-150 ecoboost engine, and put it through a grueling dyno test. Simulating 10 years and 150000 miles of driving in just weeks, submitting the engine to extreme loads, temperatures, and speeds impossible to simulate in real world situations. They simulated the 3.5 ecoboost pulling 11,000 lbs up a grade steeper than pikes peak, ran the engine at full throttle for one hour, and deep froze the engine to -20 degrees and then shocked it by raising the temperature to 230 degrees numerous times. After all this, normally Ford engineers would disassemble than engine and inspect its condition….. but this was no ordinary test.

Dyno Test

Next the engine was shipped to the assembly plant in Kansas City and installed into a Ford F150 and prepared for the next challenge.

Step two, the F150 drove 1900 miles to the mountains of the Pacific Northwest for some timber hauling. Usually reserved for heavy duty skidders, the Ford F150 ecoboost attempts to haul 22 logs weighing more than a total of 3  tons (each log more than 1200 lbs heavier than the truck itself) up the steeps mountain slopes. A perfect demonstration of its 420 lbs of torque that continues across the nearly its entire torque range.

Timber Hauling

Step three, the Ford F150 ecoboost drives 3300 miles to Miami for a little Nascar. Hooking up its maximum tow weight of 11,300 lbs, in the form of two Stock cars on a trailer, and racing around the track for 24 hours at full throttle (100 mph) only stopping for fuel.

Nascar

Step four, a drive out west to Highway 66, a stretch of highway called Davis Damb, where the F150 V6 Ecoboost gets to drag race a V8 Chev, and Dodge, while pulling 9000lbs trailers up a 6% grade. Guess who wins.

Dragging

Not done yet… Step five, lets run the Ford F150 Ecoboost through the most grueling off road race – the Baja 1000. 1062 miles of off road hell.

Baja

Finally its time to see how the 3.5 Ecoboost held up. The Engine was hooked back up to the dyno and checked for performance –  after 165,000 miles the Ford F150 Ecoboost engine still is putting out the same horse power and torque as when it was new.

Teardown

If you’re ready to own one of these amazing trucks, visit our fullerisford.com and F150 selection or call 513-352-5800

BUY MORE TRUCK, PAY LESS TAX!

If you or your company has been waiting for the right time to purchase your next commercial vehicle, the time is now! And Fuller Ford, with its combination of a huge commercial inventory and FREE LIFETIME OIL CHANGES, is the right place to get it!

BUY A NEW FORD. GET A BIG WRITE-OFF.

Thanks to IRS Section 179 of the IRS tax code, many businesses that invest in new equipment will be able

to write off up to 100% of these purchases on their 2012 IRS tax returns. Normally, businesses spread

these deductions over several years. But now, the tax benefits provided under IRS Section 179 allow

many businesses to write off qualifying new equipment in the first year it is placed in service.

 

Here’s an example FOR QUALIFYING BUSINESSES.

For instance, when you buy a qualifying new Ford truck for your business, the cost is an expensethat

can be fully deducted in the first year it is placed into service. So, whether you need one or more

qualifying vehicles, a business can expense up to $139,000 worth in 2012. Please note that this

deduction amount would be reduced, dollar for dollar, once your equipment purchases exceed $560,000 in 2012.

Is there a catch?

The qualifying vehicle must be purchased and placed into service between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012. It must be used at least 50% for business, based on mileage, in the first year it isplaced in service. So if you choose to use it for both personal and business use, the cost eligible for deduction would be the percentage used for business.

WHAT’S THE URGENCY?

For 2013, all indications are that the Section 179 deduction limitation will be reduced to only $25,000

and any bonus depreciation deduction will be eliminated. So the December 31, 2012, deadline is approaching quickly.

BUY MORE TRUCK, PAY LESS TAX!

If you or your company has been waiting for the right time to purchase your next commercial vehicle, the time is now! And Fuller Ford, with its combination of a huge commercial inventory and FREE LIFETIME OIL CHANGES, is the right place to get it!

BUY A NEW FORD. GET A BIG WRITE-OFF.

Thanks to IRS Section 179 of the IRS tax code, many businesses that invest in new equipment will be able

to write off up to 100% of these purchases on their 2012 IRS tax returns. Normally, businesses spread

these deductions over several years. But now, the tax benefits provided under IRS Section 179 allow

many businesses to write off qualifying new equipment in the first year it is placed in service.

 

Here’s an example FOR QUALIFYING BUSINESSES.

For instance, when you buy a qualifying new Ford truck for your business, the cost is an expensethat

can be fully deducted in the first year it is placed into service. So, whether you need one or more

qualifying vehicles, a business can expense up to $139,000 worth in 2012. Please note that this

deduction amount would be reduced, dollar for dollar, once your equipment purchases exceed $560,000 in 2012.

Is there a catch?

The qualifying vehicle must be purchased and placed into service between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012. It must be used at least 50% for business, based on mileage, in the first year it isplaced in service. So if you choose to use it for both personal and business use, the cost eligible for deduction would be the percentage used for business.

WHAT’S THE URGENCY?

For 2013, all indications are that the Section 179 deduction limitation will be reduced to only $25,000

and any bonus depreciation deduction will be eliminated. So the December 31, 2012, deadline is approaching quickly.

Go Further with Ford Night / 2013 Fusion Premier! – Nov 15th Benefits DSAGC

Please join Fuller Ford the night of November 15th for our “Go Further with Ford Night” Event from 5-8 p.m. in our showroom at 900 West 8th Street 45203.

Come test drive the brand new 2013 Fusion and support the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati.

For every person that attends the event, $10 will be donated to the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati.

We will also have door prizes in which all the proceeds go toward DSAGC. Your attendance automatically enters you for a chance to win a 2013 Fusion and tickets to an American Idol taping!

There will be a ‘tryout’ for a chance to win the VIP Package from American Idol.

The VIP Package includes: a VIP experience at American Idol during ‘Hollywood Week’ for the winner and a guest, air travel for 2 to Los Angeles, CA, one room for 2 nights at a deluxe hotel, a spa package and more!

You must RSVP to the link below and attend the event on November 15 in order to be eligible to win the new Fusion or American Idol tickets! http://www.gofurtherwithfordnight2.com/Registration.php?ID=378725a1-370f-40bd-9a9b-5c777e952a6e&dn=RnVsbGVyIEZvcmQ=

We look forward to seeing you!

Fuller Ford

2013 Ford F-Series Super Duty: Best-in-Class Towing and Payload Benchmarks

Ford continues to strengthen the F-Series lineup for 2013, raising the bar for Super Duty towing, hauling and braking to again set the standard among heavy-duty trucks.

 

“Super Duty pickups and chassis cabs are the segment benchmarks, chosen by tradesmen more than any other heavy-duty truck to get the job done,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “To help our customers continue to become more productive and efficient, we’ve increased our towing and payload capability yet again.”

 

Best-in-class towing and payload

 

F-Series Super Duty trucks are engineered to meet the demands of the toughest customers. With their needs in mind, Ford engineers have raised conventional towing capacity to a class-leading 18,500 pounds, besting the nearest competitor by 500 pounds.

 

Increased towing brawn goes hand-in-hand with improved payload capability to a class-leading 7,260 pounds.

 

Improved brakes

 

F-Series Super Duty’s best-in-class payload numbers are supported by an improved brake system that delivers increased capability and usability.

 

Braking engineers increased brake rotor swept area by 16.4 percent in front and 14.5 percent in the rear for maximum braking to help dissipate heat, especially on long downhill grades.

 

These changes support a 700-pound increase in the maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating to a best-in-class 14,000 pounds. Improved brake pads and a retuned booster enable enhanced pedal brake feel to increase driver confidence.

 

“We’ve really improved brake feel,” said Michael Watkins, brake system engineer. “There’s refined modulation in the pedal – you really feel the stopping power. With a full load of cargo, drivers will notice strong, confidence-inspiring brakes.”

 

A larger parking brake for F-250 and F-350 models also allowed an increase in maximum payload rating.

 

Available adjustable pedals also enhance customer comfort by personalizing the interface between driver and brake system.

 

All-new F-Series Super Duty Platinum

 

Other changes for 2013 include the introduction of the all-new Platinum series model and the availability of SYNC® with MyFord Touch®.

 

The Platinum series makes a bold statement with a grille that features a satin chrome surround highlighted by perforated mesh inside, plus other special exterior upgrades. The interior showcases luxury in the form of premium wood grain appliqués, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, and other high-end luxury touches.

 

The 2013 F-Series Super Duty builds on the foundation of SYNC with MyFord Touch, which is available for the first time. A new 8-inch, high-resolution touch screen display gives drivers easy access to phone, climate control, entertainment and navigation features, along with a dramatically expanded voice control vocabulary.

 

The 8-inch display screen also provides a large, clear view behind the truck when in reverse to help drivers maneuver in tight spaces or line up conventional trailers with the truck’s hitch.

 

Unique to Ford F-Series, the physical interface for MyFord Touch has been optimized to accommodate truck users who may be wearing work gloves by providing easy access to climate controls and audio presets on the center stack.

 

Expect more

 

Leadership is expected of F-Series, which has been the best-selling truck in the U.S. for 35 straight years.

 

Historically, best-in-class towing and payload capability and legendary Built Ford Tough durability have driven F-Series customer loyalty. The 6.7-liter Power Stroke® diesel and 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engines – with class-leading fuel economy – give Ford customers even more reasons to stay loyal in the years ahead.

 

Fuller Ford offers Lifetime Free Oil Changes on ALL new vehicle purchases – in stock or factory ordered. Additionally, Fuller Ford offers the convenience of onsite Penske Truck Rental. Whether you are coming from Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana, we are conveniently located right off of I-75, just west of downtown Cincinnati. We are Cincinnati’s ONLY downtown dealer! Check out our entire inventory at www.fullerisford.com.

Ford C-MAX Energi Plug-In Hybrid Expected to Deliver 550-Mile Range and Nearly Double Electric-Only Range of Prius

The new Ford C-MAX Energi is expected to achieve more than 20 miles of electric-only range – nearly double the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid – and a 550-mile overall range to become the first hybrid vehicle ever that can be driven from Sacramento to San Diego on a single tank of gas and make the average American commute without gasoline.

With a maximum electric-only speed projected to top that of Prius plug-in, C-MAX Energi drivers might be able to reach wherever they’re going a little faster, too.

Topping it off, C-MAX Energi delivers fuel economy that is the equivalent of 95 miles per gallon (MPGe) combined city/highway.

John Davis, chief nameplate engineer for Ford’s compact cars and utility vehicles, said it’s all designed to improve the driving experience: from making the 550-mile trek down Highway 99 from Sacramento to San Diego to the daily 20-mile one-way trip to work – the distance some reports suggest the average American commutes.

“We are proud C-MAX Energi is the first plug-in hybrid that can deliver a 550-mile overall range and more than 20 miles of electric range as it gives customers great flexibility to commute to work, then take off for a road trip while passing many gas stations along the way,” says Davis. “C-MAX Energi is a great symbol for the leading fuel economy we’re delivering across our lineup to give customers the power of choice to save money at the pump.”

C-MAX Energi is part of Ford’s first dedicated line of hybrid vehicles in North America and will soon be available for order at Ford’s certified electric-vehicle dealerships. C-MAX Energi operates just like a traditional hybrid with two key differences – owners must plug in the vehicle using its charge port and C-MAX Energi has a larger battery pack.

Power of choice

Already available for order is C-MAX Hybrid – expected to be America’s most affordable hybrid utility vehicle with a base price of $25,995, including destination and delivery – with a cost that is $1,300 lower than Toyota Prius v.

C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi figure prominently in Ford’s rollout of five electrified vehicles this year. Ford’s other electrified vehicles include:

•Focus Electric: Production began late 2011; America’s most fuel-efficient compact with 110 MPGe city; charge time of four hours with the available 240-volt charging station – nearly half the time as Nissan Leaf

•C-MAX Hybrid: Coming this fall; projected 47 mpg city, 3 mpg better than Toyota Prius v

•All-new Fusion Hybrid: Coming this fall; projected 47 mpg expected to beat Toyota Camry Hybrid by 5 mpg highway

•Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid: Will begin production by the end of this year; aiming to be the most fuel-efficient midsize car in the world with more than 100 MPGe

“Ford’s electrified vehicles offer a great combination of efficiency, performance, technology and affordability that we believe will help spur adoption of these advanced vehicles,” says Kevin Layden, director, Ford Electrification Programs and Engineering. “C-MAX Energi not only offers leading efficiency, it has 50 more horsepower than the Prius plug-in hybrid along with class-exclusive technologies such as our hands-free liftgate and active park assist for easier parallel parking.”

Maximizing experience

While the C-MAX Energi nameplate is new to the U.S. market, the technology and design has proven itself already in other ways and in other places.

More than 144,000 units of the five-passenger C-MAX gasoline and diesel versions have been sold in Europe since late 2010. Though Ford is concentrating on hybrid versions of C-MAX in the U.S., the designs of C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid are based on the gasoline- and diesel-powered European version.

C-MAX Energi also benefits from 20 years of research and innovation behind the software and hardware technology it offers, incorporating many of the nearly 500 patents Ford holds in the area of hybrid technology. The car’s powersplit technology – which allows for more efficient operation of the vehicle – consists of more than 200 patents alone.

Like C-MAX Hybrid, C-MAX Energi has projected total system horsepower of 188 that stems from the combination of a gasoline engine and a battery-driven electric motor. When powered by gasoline, the C-MAX Energi uses the all-new 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine – powerful and fuel efficient and among the most advanced non-turbocharged four-cylinder powertrains Ford has ever offered.

Because owners plug in to charge the advanced lithium-ion battery in C-MAX Energi, the vehicle is able to achieve increased electric mode and total range. Lithium-ion batteries are lighter, more efficient and more powerful than nickel-metal hydride batteries used in first-generation hybrids. They also promote faster charging times.

C-MAX Energi sets itself apart from other hybrids in other ways, too. For example, it offers the latest generation of SmartGauge® with EcoGuide. Designed to help drivers get the most from C-MAX, information such as instantaneous fuel economy can be displayed on one of two 4.2-inch LCD screens, helping drivers more closely monitor how their driving behavior affects the vehicle’s efficiency.

In the right cluster, redesigned imagery of green leaves shows overall driving efficiency. The left cluster shows Brake Coach, a feature that helps drivers optimize their use of the regenerative braking system so that driving range can be enhanced through proper braking techniques.

Available for C-MAX Energi is the MyFord® Mobile smartphone application that allows users to monitor charging, receive alerts, find charge stations, plan trips and do more from their smartphones or computers for an effortless transition to an electrified vehicle lifestyle.

C-MAX Energi will be produced at Ford’s Wayne, Mich.-based Michigan Assembly Plant alongside the new C-MAX Hybrid, Focus, Focus Electric and Focus ST.

Fuller Ford offers Lifetime Free Oil Changes on ALL new vehicle purchases – in stock or factory ordered. Additionally, Fuller Ford offers the convenience of onsite Penske Truck Rental. Whether you are coming from Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana, we are conveniently located right off of I-75, just west of downtown Cincinnati. We are Cincinnati’s ONLY downtown dealer! Check out our entire inventory at www.fullerisford.com.

2013 Ford Focus ST Achieves Class-Leading 32 MPG Highway

The 2013 Ford Focus ST isn’t just fast, it’s frugal.

The Focus ST’s new 2.0-liter EcoBoost® four-cylinder engine is certified at 32 mpg highway – better than its manual-equipped competition in the Volkswagen GTI and MazdaSpeed3.

“We’re putting the ‘power’ in the power of choice, again,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “This is just one more example of the ‘win-win’ in the Focus ST narrative. This kind of performance combined with these high levels of efficiency sets a new benchmark with this car.”

The choice of power

Compared with the previous-generation Ford Focus, which last made 140 horsepower and 136 lb.-ft. of torque, Focus ST gives up only 3 mpg on the highway but gains 112 horsepower and 134 lb.-ft. of torque for a total of 252 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft.

As another comparison, the base Focus 2.0-liter engine now makes 160 horsepower and 146 lb.-ft. of torque, but achieves as much as 40 mpg on the highway – another example of how Ford is delivering world-class fuel economy and performance.

EcoBoost rising

While Focus ST is the first four-cylinder performance EcoBoost engine, fuel-efficient EcoBoost powertrains are now a mainstay in Ford’s lineup. Ford’s annual EcoBoost production will grow to nearly 1.6 million engines globally by 2013.

On the other end of the spectrum from the Focus ST’s 2.0-liter EcoBoost is the 1.0-liter EcoBoost – Ford’s smallest, quietest engine ever – that arrives in one of the company’s U.S. small cars next year. Already on sale in the European Focus, the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine was named the 2012 International Engine of the Year last month.

Additional 1.6-, 2.0- and 3.5-liter EcoBoost engines are already available on Escape, Explorer, Edge, F-150, Flex, Fusion, Police Interceptor sedan and utility vehicles, and Taurus. EcoBoost offers up to a 15 percent reduction in CO2 versus larger-displacement, non-turbocharged engines.

Fuller Ford offers Lifetime Free Oil Changes on ALL new vehicle purchases – in stock or factory ordered. Additionally, Fuller Ford offers the convenience of onsite Penske Truck Rental. Whether you are coming from Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana, we are conveniently located right off of I-75, just west of downtown Cincinnati. We are Cincinnati’s ONLY downtown dealer! Check out our entire inventory at www.fullerisford.com.

 

 

Ford Research Developing Intelligent System to Help Drivers Manage Stressful Situations on the Road

Ford Research Developing Intelligent System to Help Drivers Manage Stressful Situations on the Road

With today’s ever-increasing concern about driver distraction, engineers in the Ford Research and Innovation labs are developing ways to help the driver stay focused in busy situations by intelligently managing incoming communications.

“Ford has been a leader in delivering solutions for in-car communications and simplifying the user interface, and now we’re researching ways to use the car’s own intelligence to further help drivers,” says Jeff Greenberg, senior technical leader of Ford Research and Innovation. “Vehicle control inputs, sensors, road conditions and biometric information such as a driver’s pulse and breathing can all be used to create a driver workload estimation that can then help manage certain functions in demanding situations.”

Data from the sensing systems of driver-assist technologies can be used to determine the amount of external demand and workload upon a driver at any given time including traffic and road conditions. In addition, Ford continues its health and wellness research with the development of a biometric seat, seat belt and steering wheel that can monitor the condition of the driver to help add an even more specific estimate of the driver’s state of being.

The driver workload estimator is an algorithm using real-time data from existing sensors such as radar and cameras combined with input from the driver’s use of the throttle, brakes and steering wheel. The result is an intelligent system enabling management of in-vehicle communications based on the assessed workload of the driving situation.

For example, the side-looking radar sensors used for the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) and the forward-looking camera for the Lane-Keeping System are on watch even when there is no active warning provided to the driver. These signals could indicate there is a significant amount of traffic in the lane that you are merging into while entering a highway.

Combine that knowledge with the fact that the driver has increased throttle pedal pressure to speed up, and the workload estimate could be high enough to determine it isn’t a very good time for an incoming phone call to ring inside the cabin.

The car could intelligently apply the “Do Not Disturb” feature that is already available as part of MyFord® Touch, helping the driver stay focused on the road during the high-demand situation.

Monitoring driver biometrics

“In addition to using existing vehicle data to estimate demand on the driver, we’re researching ways to get an even better understanding of the stress level of the driver,” says Gary Strumolo, manager of vehicle design and infotronics, Ford Research and Innovation. “Biometric or health information of the driver can help us better tailor the experience when behind the wheel.”

Turning new biometric sensors toward the driver will help to create a more complete picture of the driver workload. The research team has built a biometric seating buck to test a number of different sensors and gather data on how drivers respond to a variety of inputs for a driver behavior model.

The experimental system adds several sensors to the steering wheel rim and spokes to get more detailed driver information. Anyone who has used modern exercise equipment like treadmills and stair climbers will be familiar with the metal pads on the rim that can be used to measure the driver’s heart rate.

Infrared sensors on the steering wheel monitor the palms of a driver’s hands as well as his or her face looking for changes in temperature. A downward-looking infrared sensor under the steering column measures the cabin temperature to provide a baseline for comparing changes in the driver’s temperature. The final sensor is embedded in the seat belt to assess the driver’s breathing rate.

With a more complete picture of the driver’s health and wellness blended with knowledge of what is happening outside the vehicle, the car will have the intelligence to dynamically adjust the alerts provided to the driver and filter interruptions. With the driver occupied in heavy traffic, the vehicle control system could increase the warning times for forward collision alerts and automatically filter out phone calls and messages, allowing the driver more time to respond. On the other hand, an alert driver on an open highway could receive incoming calls.

“While these features are still in research, they show significant opportunity for us to leverage data already being captured by the vehicle and apply an intelligent decision-making system to simplify the driving experience,” adds Strumolo.

Fuller Ford offers Lifetime Free Oil Changes on ALL new vehicle purchases – in stock or factory ordered. Additionally, Fuller Ford offers the convenience of onsite Penske Truck Rental. Whether you are coming from Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana, we are conveniently located right off of I-75, just west of downtown Cincinnati. We are Cincinnati’s ONLY downtown dealer! Check out our entire inventory at www.fullerisford.com.

Wheelchair Accessible Transit Connect

This Transit Connect conversion is the perfect vehicle for easy wheelchair accessibility. This van is equipped with an ADA- Compliant Rear Entry Conversion. This conversion includes: • Steel Reinforced Raised Roof and Raised Doors • 56” Door Opening • Fully Automatic Lift (800 lb. capacity) with Interlock • Self-Adjusting Tie-downs and Lap/Shoulder Belts • Wheelchair Flooring • Finished Interior • Safety Kit and Fire Extinguisher These conversions are primarily built on the XLT Premium package since it is equipped with passenger windows. The basics of the Transit Connect’s design have been kept in place. Both sides of the Transit Connect come equipped with sliding doors. The rear double doors fold out to a wide 180 degrees. Optional 255 degree rear door hinges are available also.

Fuller Ford offers Lifetime Free Oil Changes on ALL new vehicle purchases – in stock or factory ordered. Additionally, Fuller Ford offers the convenience of onsite Penske Truck Rental. Whether you are coming from Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana, we are conveniently located right off of I-75, just west of downtown Cincinnati. We are Cincinnati’s ONLY downtown dealer! Check out our entire inventory at www.fullerisford.com. Call Fuller Ford’s sales staff at (513) 352-5800 for more information on the Transit Connect conversion.

Ford Developing New Technologies to Help Ease Traffic, Parking Stress and Address Future Mobility Challenges

Ford Motor Company is researching and developing intelligent, next-generation driving technologies designed to help address traffic jams and other future mobility challenges that come with rapid urbanization and population growth around the world.

Ford’s early prototypes of two such technologies – Traffic Jam Assist and an advanced version of active park assist, evolved to offer hands-free perpendicular parking – are designed to interact with a vehicle’s surroundings, reduce driver stress and help reduce traffic gridlock.

“Developing these technologies is part of the first step in a journey toward a more connected future,” said Paul Mascarenas, Ford chief technical officer and vice president, Research and Innovation. “It’s an undertaking we believe will save time, conserve resources, lower emissions, improve safety and help reduce driver stress.”

Traffic Jam Assist

Traffic Jam Assist is an intelligent driving technology that Ford is developing for the mid-term. It uses radar and camera technology to help a vehicle keep pace with other vehicles in traffic and provide automated steering control to stay in the current lane, reducing driver stress and potentially improving vehicle flow.

“Drivers spend more than 30 percent of their time in heavy traffic,” said Joseph Urhahne, engineer with Ford Research and Innovation. “Traffic Jam Assist could help make traveling through congestion a more relaxing experience and, by keeping pace with the flow of traffic, potentially help relieve road congestion.”

Individual simulation studies have found that where 25 percent of vehicles on a stretch of road are equipped to automatically follow the traffic ahead, journey times can be reduced by 37.5 percent and delays reduced by 20 percent – saving millions of gallons of fuel each year.

Traffic Jam Assist has the potential to follow the traffic ahead while maintaining lane position in environments where there are no pedestrians, cyclists or animals, and where lanes are clearly marked.

Many of the sensing technologies required to deliver Traffic Jam Assist already are available on current Ford models including Focus, Escape and Fusion.

The developing technology would be able to respond to changing traffic situations ahead and communicate any developments to the driver. Traffic Jam Assist would also incorporate features to help ensure the driver remains alert and in contact with the vehicle controls, even when the system is active. It could also be overridden at any time.

Watch Ford Traffic Jam Assist Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTYvkqZ1kfY&feature=player_embedded#!

Perpendicular parking

In the near term, Ford plans to further develop its active park assist technology, a popular feature that allows drivers to parallel park without touching the wheel. Ford is adding perpendicular parking to the parallel parking maneuvers already possible.

The enhanced system would harness the technologies introduced with active park assist. It uses ultrasonic sensors to identify suitable parking spaces, for width rather than length, and then steers the vehicle into them using electric power-assisted steering (EPAS).

Active park assist is activated by pressing a center console button. When a suitable space is detected, the system will advise the driver to stop with an audible and visual warning. The driver will then be told to put the vehicle into reverse gear and operate brakes and clutch, if needed, while the car controls the steering wheel.

Perpendicular parking functionality would use the vehicle’s rear parking distance control sensors to monitor for obstructions not seen by the driver when backing into the space.

Where there is insufficient space to complete the maneuver in one attempt, the system might ask the driver to shift the vehicle into forward and reverse as necessary. Once the vehicle is perfectly parked, the driver gets a finish signal.