Ford incorporates Blind Spot Information System into Galaxy and S-MAX

14 April 2010

A ground-breaking radar technology developed by Ford Motors aims to help Galaxy and S-MAX drivers to detect cars concealed in their blind spots, thus offering a safer

A ground-breaking radar technology developed by Ford Motors aims to help Galaxy and S-MAX drivers to detect cars concealed in their blind spots, thus offering a safer driving experience.

The Blind Spot Information System senses when a vehicle, whether it is a truck or a motorbike, has gone into either of the cars blind spot zones. A LED warning light then glows in the corresponding wing mirror to alert the driver about the presence of a vehicle.

In busy traffic, its very easy to lose sight of vehicles when they move into your blind spot, said Dr Torsten Wey, driver assistance technologies supervisor at Ford Motors. With its distinctive warning light, this system helps drivers to think twice before switching lanes or changing direction without checking their blind spot, hopefully preventing a collision or a near miss.

The new Galaxy and S-MAX, in showrooms this month, are the first Ford cars to feature this new technology. The system will also be available in future Ford models such as the next-generation Focus and C-MAX, which due to enter the market in the next 12 months.

The Blind Spot Information System functions by using two innovative multi-beam radars located in the rear bumpers outer corners.

Through the two radars, the system checks the blind spot on both sides of the car. This extends from about three metres behind the rear bumper to the wing mirror and width-ways by around three metres on each side.

Unlike other similar systems, Fords technology has been specifically designed to function from a minimum speed of 6mph, making it very effective in overcrowded urban conditions as well as during stop-start driving on congested motorways where most accidents occur.

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