Ford has stolen a march on rivals by getting official approval to launch hands-free advanced driver assistance technology for UK motorways.
The fully-legal ‘BlueCruise Level 2’ system will initially be deployed on the all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E via a £17.99 per month subscription service.
And Ford says it’s the ‘first automaker’ to be given such a seal of approval by Government authorities.
The system itself is what the Department for Transport calls ‘Level 2 autonomy’ - which essentially means the car can pilot itself while the driver can take their hands off the steering wheel.
Motorists must, however, continue to supervise the car’s progress and have their eyes on the road.
The Level 2 tech only applies to 2,300 miles of pre-mapped motorways in England, Scotland and Wales, designated as Blue Zones.
Ford describes the development as a ‘watershed moment’, and how it’s the ‘first system of its kind approved in Europe’.
A spokesperson explains:
“BlueCruise takes the comfort and convenience benefits of advanced driver assistance to the next level. The system monitors road markings, speed signs and evolving traffic conditions to control steering, acceleration, braking and lane positioning, as well as to maintain safe and consistent distances to vehicles ahead – right down to a complete halt in traffic jams. In addition, sophisticated infrared camera technology continually checks driver attentiveness for safety and confidence.”
Meanwhile Jesse Norman, UK Transport Minister, adds:
“It is great news that Ford has chosen us for the European launch of its BlueCruise technology, and I am delighted that this country is once more at the forefront of innovation. The latest advanced driver assistance systems make driving smoother and easier, but they can also help make roads safer by reducing scope for driver error.”
The system works up to a maximum speed of 80mph. And Ford says it has been tested on some 100,000 miles of European roads, as well as 600,000 miles of highway in the US and Canada
Ford’s BlueCruise Level 2 could be seen as a cut above Tesla’s Autopilot system, which still requires a driver’s hands to remain on the steering wheel.
As of January 2023, car manufacturers are also now able to seek approval for so-called ‘Level 3’ autonomous driving tech.
With an ‘eyes-down’ Level 3 system activated, the user is permitted to watch a movie or text a friend, for example, while also still being alert to what’s going on around them.
Mercedes-Benz is thought to be close to Level 3 approval here in the UK, having already been rubber-stamped for use in America.
A Ford Mustang Mach-E lease with Select Car Leasing begins at £533 per month*.
*Prices include VAT. Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply. Stock levels and prices correct as of 13/04/23.
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