COLOGNE, Germany – Large numbers of Focus and C-MAX customers are choosing to equip their cars with Ford’s class-leading technologies, and the high take rates suggest Ford is meeting an increasing demand for features designed to reduce the stress of driving.

More than 170,000 versions of the all-new Focus have already been produced in 2011, with 20 per cent of buyers opting to equip these vehicles with the Active City Stop and Active Park Assist features.

Active Park Assist has also resonated strongly with buyers of the new C-MAX since going on sale in late 2010. An impressive 32.7 per cent of customers for the 66,000 vehicles produced so far this year have selected the feature – which automatically controls the steering and issues driver commands to execute seamless reverse parking manoeuvres.
 
These technologies – in combination with the Blind Spot Information System, Hill Start Assist and Speed Limiter technologies available on both the Focus and C-MAX, as well as Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Aid, Driver Assist, Auto High Beam and Traffic Sign Recognition features of the new Focus – demonstrate that Ford offers a class-leading range of driver-assistance features.

“We are delighted with the customer response to the technologies introduced by Ford with the new Focus and C-MAX,” says Helmut Reder, global chief engineer for Focus.

“We don’t believe in technology for technology’s sake and when we develop these systems we strive to ensure that they improve the Ford driving and ownership experience by meeting real customer needs. The take-up of our new driver aids witnessed so far has been extremely encouraging and suggests customers agree that these features offer a genuine benefit.”

Focus has led the way in delivering such a wide range of new advance technologies to a whole new group of customers since it went on sale across Europe in mid-March. Two of these technologies – Active City Stop and Lane Keeping Aid – have been recognised and received EuroNCAP Advance Rewards.

An encouraging take-up of this brand new technology has seen 20 per cent of new Focus models leave the production line equipped with the Active City Stop feature, which monitors the road ahead for obstructions and activates the brakes at speeds below 30km/h if it senses a collision is imminent – slowing the vehicle to limit damage and potentially preventing impact at speeds below 15km/h.

The new Focus also monitors the road ahead for Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Aid, Driver Assist, Auto High Beam and Traffic Sign Recognition features, while both the Focus and C-MAX models are available with the rear monitoring Blind Spot Information System to aid lane changing.

“Ford is proud that the new Focus offers the most impressive range of advance active technologies in its class,” says Reder. “By assisting the driver in monitoring for hazards, offering an early warning and even intervening to prevent accidents when required, the Focus’ suite of driver aids help make the roads safer for occupants and other road users.”