Ford's Automated Parallel Parking System
Like Stockton to Malone, Ford wants to give its buyers an assist — at least those who purchase a 2010 Lincoln MKT or MKS. In mid-2009, both vehicles will come equipped with Ford’s new Active Park Assist system, which parallel parks the vehicle automatically. The MKT is an all-new crossover that will debut at the Detroit auto show next month.
The system strongly resembles the one on the Lexus LS 460 (check out our own Joe Wiesenfelder putting it to the test). Rather than cameras, though, the system utilizes Ford’s ultrasonic-based sensing system.
Ford claims key advantages over Lexus’ version of the technology: Ford’s system can be used in downhill parking situations, and the American automaker also claims it has vastly improved on reliability and speed in parking situations.
While this certainly may be true (we won’t know until we get our hands on a ’10 MKT or MKS), we have yet to meet anyone who truly craves this technology. If you have a different opinion, feel free to let us know in the comments.
Update: Video by Ford is below. Beware, it is kind of dry, but shows the system in action.
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Didn't we learn how to parallel park when we get the license? It is not a safety feature, but just something that makes life easier. That said, more people cannot parallel park.
Why are automakers wasting money on automating parallel parking? This R&D money could be put to better use. Ford...leave that luxury to the Lexus crowd.
boring but cool......
This is another example of the dumbing down of American drivers.
...and another step towards the autonomous car.