2005 Mercury Meta One Concept

CMbB, on the other hand, is a more complex version of adaptive cruise control, available on a multitude of high-end luxury cars

SmartNav makes use of next-generation navigation equipment in order to display real-time traffic data and route guidance information. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

such as Audi's new A6 and Jaguar's XJ sedan. Adaptive cruise control uses radar and sensors to judge the distance between the vehicle and the closest automobile ahead before applying the brakes when necessary. The Meta One merely takes such technologies to a higher level, making a safer vehicle in the process.

Other non-safety related technologies, which are integrated in a dash-mounted user interface, include Wi-Fi, or more precisely a wireless portal that can be synced up to a laptop or handheld device for gathering information over the net, or for that matter streaming video entertainment in from the SIRIUS satellite network, eliminating the need for space robbing DVDs.

Three additional technologies have been incorporated into the concept to help occupants keep pace with their lives. The first,

KeyDA transforms the Meta One's ignition key into a PDA, and more. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

SmartNav, makes use of next-generation navigation equipment in order to display real-time traffic data and route guidance information, helping a driver to avoid traffic congestion.

KeyDA has been designed to keep the vehicle's owner on schedule, or in other words it transforms the Meta One's ignition key into a PDA, transferring personal information such as seating preferences and radio station presets, as well as contact lists and schedules, into the vehicle's systems. Vehicle functions will respond to personal settings, while person information will be available from the digital interface - the LCD screen otherwise used for navigation, etc.