Ford's set to bring some visibility-enhancing features to a rearview-mirror near you. Starting in the 2009 model year, the American automaker's standard rearview mirror will be replaced by a Blind-Spot mirror which features a convex spotter aimed directly at the vehicle's blind-spot. Ford says the Blind-Spot mirror meets the demands of customers wishing for better visibility when changing lanes or parking.
It doesn't end there though- as a new Cross-Traffic Alert system and Blind Spot Monitoring will be available as well. Using a radar sensor mounted in each rear quarter-panel, it can alert drivers if a nearby vehicle is hiding out in their blind-spot. Visual and audible alerts tell the driver that it's best to wait for a lane change if another 'hidden' vehicle is detected.
The same sensor is used for the Cross-Traffic alert system when reversing out of a parking space. Able to see 65 feet out either side of the vehicle's rear, this feature is especially useful when backing out of tight quarters in a longer machine, like a minivan or wagon.
Of course, the Blind-Spot mirror with convex spotter would make it easier to simply back into a parking space to begin with.
"Ford is delivering innovative features aiding in a better drive experience for the customer," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford Group's VP of Global Product Development. "The Blind Spot Mirror and Cross Traffic Alert with Blind Spot Monitoring System are enhancing the customer ownership experience and bringing more value to their purchase."
photo:Ford
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It doesn't end there though- as a new Cross-Traffic Alert system and Blind Spot Monitoring will be available as well. Using a radar sensor mounted in each rear quarter-panel, it can alert drivers if a nearby vehicle is hiding out in their blind-spot. Visual and audible alerts tell the driver that it's best to wait for a lane change if another 'hidden' vehicle is detected.
The same sensor is used for the Cross-Traffic alert system when reversing out of a parking space. Able to see 65 feet out either side of the vehicle's rear, this feature is especially useful when backing out of tight quarters in a longer machine, like a minivan or wagon.
Of course, the Blind-Spot mirror with convex spotter would make it easier to simply back into a parking space to begin with.
"Ford is delivering innovative features aiding in a better drive experience for the customer," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford Group's VP of Global Product Development. "The Blind Spot Mirror and Cross Traffic Alert with Blind Spot Monitoring System are enhancing the customer ownership experience and bringing more value to their purchase."
photo:Ford
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