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Ford 'nanny key' for SA Fiestas

Ford SA will debut its MyKey technology in the new Fiesta when it arrives here in 2013.

MyKey enables parents to place restrictions on young drivers in the family by limiting their top speed and over-riding deactivation of driver assistance technology – all via a coded key.

ONE FIESTA, MANY 'CARS'


The introduction of Ford’s nanny key was announced as the automaker released details of a survey that found the top concern among parents of young drivers - close to half of those surveyed - was speeding.

Ford’s novel approach to promoting safer driving among younger drivers allows owners to programme a key that restricts the top speed of the Fiesta, reduces the maximum volume of the audio system and even disables the audio system if occupants are not securely strapped in.

MyKey can also prevent the driver from deactivating safety technology such as electronic stability control and active city stop.

The system works by recognising different keys for the same car and then adjusting the vehicle settings according to the owner’s requirements. It also enables owners to programme chimes to sound at set points between 65 and 130km/h, prevents seat-belt reminders from being disabled and delivers an earlier low-fuel warning.

Ford’s MyKey system architect in Europe, Peter Patzelt, said: “All parents know that if teenagers are experts at one thing, it’s finding ways of getting into trouble. MyKey allows Fiesta owners to set sensible restrictions for young drivers and delivers peace of -mind for parents.”

Ford SA has confirmed the MyKey will be offered on its new Fiesta when it arrives in 2013 but could not yet specify on which models.

Would you like to program you offspring's driving habits? Tell us in the Readers' Comments section below.

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