Ford Motor Co. has just announced on Tuesday that it has developed a self-parking technology, which will debut as an option on the 2010 Lincoln MKS sedan and the new seven-passenger Lincoln MKT luxury crossover vehicle. The new technology uses ultrasonic sensors on the front and rear of the vehicle, combined with electric power steering to angle and guide it into a snug parking space. All of these techniques will happen with the click of a single button.

 

However, Ford isn't the first company that will introduce this kind of technology. Toyota's Lexus luxury line has a video-camera based parking system that can calculate whether the vehicle has enough clearance for a particular spot. Anyway, Ford's technology looks easier to use and works in downhill parking situations, unlike its competitors.

 

The driver that will use this system will still need to shift the transmission and operate the gas and brake pedals, as a visual or audible driver interface advises about the proximity of other cars or obstacles. In addition, the driver never has to touch the steering wheel.

 

Furthermore, the sensor system also monitors blind spots and can notify the driver with a warning indicator light in the side view mirror if something is detected or if traffic is approaching. Meanwhile, the electric power steering can improve fuel economy and reduce carbon emissions, and that's because it is powered by the vehicle's battery rather than hydraulic pump systems.

 

Ford plans to implement this system in 90 percent of its Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles by 2012. The technology will be presented at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January and it will be available in the previously mentioned models in mid-2009.