Ford’s Active Park Assist for Lincoln MKT and MKS makes parallel parking a breeze

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Before we get our driving license, we have to be able to pass the  parallel parking test with no mistakes, plus answer whole bunch of questions. It would make sense that everyone who has the driving license, can parallel park their cars, but unfortunately lot of people find it stressful and rather park somewhere else.

Now Ford has a solution for future owners of the Lincoln MKS and MKT(that makes its debut at the Detroit Motor Show next month).

From mid-2009 Active Park Assist will be as an option on the 2010 Lincoln MKS sedan and new Lincoln MKT crossover, Active Park Assist uses an ultrasonic-based sensing system and Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) to position the vehicle for parallel parking, calculate the optimal steering angle and quickly steer the vehicle into a parking spot. All this by pressing a button and without the need to touch the steering wheel. The system also works in downhill parking situations.

Here’s how Active Park Assist works:

* The driver activates the system by pressing an instrument panel button, which activates the ultrasonic sensors to measure and identify a feasible parallel parking space.
* The system then prompts the driver to accept the system assistance to park.
* The steering system then takes over and steers the car into the parking space hands-free. The driver still shifts the transmission and operates the gas and brake pedals.
* A visual and/or audible driver interface advises the driver about the proximity of other cars, objects and people and provides instructions.
* While the steering is all done automatically, the driver remains responsible for safe parking and can interrupt the system by grasping the steering wheel.

Active Park Assist is part of Ford’s advanced EPAS technology. By 2012, Ford plans to fit nearly 90 percent of the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury lineup with EPAS.

Active Park Assist works in tandem with other new technologies that will be offered on the 2010 MKS and MKT and other Ford Motor Company vehicles, including Blind Spot Information System (BLIS™) and Cross Traffic Alert. BLIS employs a sensor on the outboard rear quarter panel that monitors the traditional blind spot area, and can notify the driver with a warning indicator light in the corresponding side view mirror if the sensors in this optional system detect a vehicle in the blind spot. Cross Traffic Alert uses BLIS sensors to help detect cross traffic when backing out of a parking space.

Source: Ford