Ford Motor Co. will introduce a new self-parking feature on its upcoming Lincoln models. The new feature will debut at the Detroit Auto Show. It will then be made available as an option on Lincoln MKS and MKT models. This feature allows the car to automatically parallel park (See a video of it in action on Youtube).

The new self-parking feature is part of Ford’s efforts to cast the company in a more favorable light with car buyers. A similar self-parking technology has already been offered by Toyota’s Lexus division. In keeping with its push to boost its image through tech innovations and fuel economy, Ford will also debut a new hybrid version of the Ford Fusion which boasts of a mileage of 41 mpg.

Ford is also offering SYNC, which allows hands-free operation of mobile phones, iPods and more. However, Ford has yet to announce the cost of this new parking feature. Meanwhile, Lexus’ automatic parallel parking technology is priced at $700.

Ford Motor Co. helps keep teen drivers safe with the introduction of an innovative technology called MyKey that is designed to help parents encourage their teenagers to drive safer.Ford MyKey allows parents to program a special ignition key with a pre-programmed list of vehicle options designed for better safety.

For instance, parents can program the MyKey to limit the vehicle’s top speed to 80 mph as well as restrict the car stereo’s audio volume to 44% of the maximum volume. It also encourages the use of safety belts with Ford’s Beltminder system that provides a six-second reminder chime every five to six minutes if seatbelts are not worn.

Alerts are also sounded whenever the vehicle reaches 45, 55 and 65mph. The MyKey also prevents the traction control system, which limits tire spin, from being deactivated. The new Ford MyKey will come standard with the 2010 Ford Focus and will be available as an option in models for 2010 onwards.

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Ford Motor Company further beefed up its reputation for safety and technology with the recent announcement of its latest vehicle safety breakthrough advanced “active” collision-avoidance technology called Collision Warning with Brake Support. This new technology uses radar to detect moving vehicles directly ahead.

When the device detects a possible collision, it warns the driver through an authoritative beep and a red warning light that is projected on the windshield above the instrument panel. Collision Warning with Brake Support is just one of three new radar-based active safety and driver-aid technologies that Ford is introducing in a range of vehicles from 2008 to 2009.

The other new technologies are Adaptive Cruise Control and BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross Traffic Alert. These three technologies use radar to detect the relative position of other vehicles and warn the driver with a combination of visual and sound alerts. The new technologies further strengthen Ford’s top safety ratings which includes the most 5-star government ratings of any automaker and most number of Top Safety Picks by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Electricity, not hydrogen, gasoline or ethanol, will fuel the cars of the future, says Ford Motor Co.’s global product development chief, Derrick Kuzak. He stressed that he was speaking as an engineer and was not commenting specifically on Ford’s future product plans. He also said that Ford will continue to develop these alternatives. He also said that the electrification of the vehicle is the ultimate solution.

Kuzak argued that alternative fuels such as hydrogen fuel cells face several technological hurdles and will required the construction of an entirely new energy structure, which he believes is not likely or practical. On the other hand, an electric car would be able to utilize the existing power grid. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles use an electric only drive train that is powered by the fuel cell to generate electricity.

Via The Auto Channel

Over the past two years, Ford has achieved significant improvements in vehicle quality, making its vehicles some of the best in the industry in terms of quality. Now that the domestic auto industry is in a slump, Ford isn’t taking any chances. The automaker has set an aggressive new target – best-in-class initial quality for compact cars the company will launch in North America by 2010.

“We aim to launch our new compact vehicles at 800 things gone wrong per 1,000 vehicles,” said Bennie Fowler, Ford’s group vice president, Global Quality. “That’s more than 500 TGWs less than the predicted industry average — and we believe these levels will ensure our upcoming small cars will achieve industry-best initial quality.”

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