The new Ford Focus became the first car to receive four Euro NCAP Advanced safety wards when its 'driver alert' and 'forward alert' technologies were honoured this week.
The awards come a month after the new Ford Ranger became the first bakkie to receive the maximum five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP. The Ranger also achieved the highest score yet by Euro NCAP for pedestrian protection.
Stephen Odell, CEO of Ford of Europe said: “Ford is committed to providing outstanding levels of safety for vehicle occupants, and it is immensely gratifying to have received two more Euro NCAP Advanced awards with the new Focus.”
Euro NCAP Advanced awards were introduced in 2010 to recognise car manufacturers that make new safety technologies available. Ford is one of only two manufacturers to hold four of these awards and the only manufacturer to achieve this with one product.
ERRACTIC BEHAVIOUR
The driver alert detects tired driver behaviour with advanced camera technology and sensors that monitor the vehicle’s position relative to lane markings. An estimated 1300 people a year die on Europe’s roads as a result of driver fatigue.
It also communicates with the car’s yaw sensor to detect erratic movements.
The results displayed on the instrument cluster and, if necessary the driver is told to take a break.
Forward alert uses radar to scan the road for slowing traffic. If it detects a braking, slower or stationary vehicle and determines that a collision is likely, the system will alert the driver with a chime and by a warning on the instrument cluster.
If the driver fails to brake immediately, the brakes are automatically applied and the driver will notice a jerk.
"The braking system is now at a state of maximum readiness," Ford says. "As soon as the driver lifts their foot off the accelerator, the system will apply the brakes. When the driver then hits the brake pedal, the system will apply full braking force.”
The awards come a month after the new Ford Ranger became the first bakkie to receive the maximum five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP. The Ranger also achieved the highest score yet by Euro NCAP for pedestrian protection.
Stephen Odell, CEO of Ford of Europe said: “Ford is committed to providing outstanding levels of safety for vehicle occupants, and it is immensely gratifying to have received two more Euro NCAP Advanced awards with the new Focus.”
Euro NCAP Advanced awards were introduced in 2010 to recognise car manufacturers that make new safety technologies available. Ford is one of only two manufacturers to hold four of these awards and the only manufacturer to achieve this with one product.
ERRACTIC BEHAVIOUR
The driver alert detects tired driver behaviour with advanced camera technology and sensors that monitor the vehicle’s position relative to lane markings. An estimated 1300 people a year die on Europe’s roads as a result of driver fatigue.
It also communicates with the car’s yaw sensor to detect erratic movements.
The results displayed on the instrument cluster and, if necessary the driver is told to take a break.
Forward alert uses radar to scan the road for slowing traffic. If it detects a braking, slower or stationary vehicle and determines that a collision is likely, the system will alert the driver with a chime and by a warning on the instrument cluster.
If the driver fails to brake immediately, the brakes are automatically applied and the driver will notice a jerk.
"The braking system is now at a state of maximum readiness," Ford says. "As soon as the driver lifts their foot off the accelerator, the system will apply the brakes. When the driver then hits the brake pedal, the system will apply full braking force.”