With regulatory approval for use on the UK motorway network, Ford marked a major event a few days ago with the introduction of an advanced Level 2 hands-free driving assistance system - the first of its kind to be approved in Europe.
Drivers of 193,000 BlueCruise-equipped Ford and Lincoln vehicles have already driven more than 102 million kilometres hands-free in Canada and the U.S., where BlueCruise has won the award Consumer Reports Top Rated Active Driving Assistance System.
Now, the green light given by the UK Department for Transport for Ford BlueCruise technology means that drivers of compatible Mustang Mach-E models can use the hands-off, eyes-on driving technology on 3,700 km of pre-mapped motorways in England, Scotland and Wales, designated as Blue Zones.
BlueCruise takes the comfort and convenience benefits of advanced driver assistance to the next level. The system monitors road signs, speed limit signs and evolving traffic conditions to control steering, acceleration, braking and lane positioning, as well as to maintain safe and consistent distances from vehicles ahead - up to and including coming to a complete stop in congested traffic conditions.
In addition, advanced infrared camera technology continuously monitors the driver's attention and alertness levels for safety and security.
"It's not every day you can say you're touching the future, but making Ford BlueCruise the first hands-free driving system of its kind to be approved for use in a European country is a significant step forward for our industry," said Martin Sander, general manager of Ford Model e in Europe. "Modern motorways can be demanding even for highly confident drivers, but at the same time intimidating for many. BlueCruise can lift the burden to make motorway driving less of a chore and give drivers extra confidence and comfort."
Owners of Ford Mustang Mach-E (M.Y. 2023) vehicles in Great Britain are the first to be able to activate BlueCruise through a subscription. The first 90 days are included with the purchase of the vehicle, and thereafter a £17.99 monthly subscription provides the flexibility to cover extended trips and holidays and activate the advanced driver support system according to the vehicle's intended use.
"Today marks a significant moment for our industry as Ford BlueCruise becomes the first hands-free driving system of its kind to be approved for use in the UK," said Lisa Brankin, managing director, Ford UK & Ireland. "We have always strived to make technology accessible to our customers and BlueCruise is the next step in that journey, making motorway driving a more comfortable experience."
Tailored during testing around the world for more than 1.1 million kilometres to deliver an intuitive experience that inspires confidence, BlueCruise is a milestone in Ford's journey to establish itself as a leader in mobility solutions.
"It is great news that Ford has chosen us to launch BlueCruise technology in Europe and I am delighted that our country is once again at the forefront of innovation," said Jesse Norman, UK Transport Minister. "The latest advanced driver assistance systems make driving smoother and easier, but they can also help make roads safer by reducing the margin for driver error."
Ford expects BlueCruise to be rolled out in other European countries when regulatory conditions allow, and expects to roll it out to other Ford vehicles in the coming years.
"Hands–off, eyes–at" driving
BlueCruise builds on the capabilities of Ford's Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC), which enables the vehicle to automatically follow the flow of traffic within legal speed limits until it comes to a complete stop. The hands-free feature allows drivers in approved sections (Blue Zones) of the motorway to drive without having their hands on the wheel, as long as they continue to keep an eye on the road ahead - improving comfort levels during long journeys.
Before switching to hands-free driving, vehicles with BlueCruise confirm that lane markings are visible, that the driver has his or her eyes on the road and that other conditions are suitable. The system uses animated text and blue lights to communicate that the system is in hands-free mode, which proves effective even for those who are colour-blind.
Operating at a maximum speed of 130 km/h, BlueCruise uses a combination of radar and cameras to detect and monitor the position and speed of other vehicles on the road. A forward-facing camera detects lane markings and speed limit signs. Crucially, the system also uses a driver-facing infrared camera located under the instrument panel to monitor the driver's gaze and head position - even when wearing sunglasses - to ensure that the driver's attention remains focused on the road.
If the system detects driver inattention, warning messages are first displayed on the instrument panel, followed by audible alerts, brake activation and, finally, deceleration of the vehicle while maintaining steering control. Similar actions occur if the driver does not reposition his hands on the steering wheel when requested to do so when exiting a Blue Zone.
Ford is also working with regulators and exploring opportunities to deliver BlueCruise through a future Ford Power-Up software update on Mustang Mach-E models equipped with the optional Tech Pack or Tech Pack+ and built before 2023.
The Mother of all Road Trips
Ford engineers conducted 160,000 kilometres of testing on European roads to validate the latest generation of advanced driver assistance systems, including BlueCruise and its supporting features, over 965,000+ kilometres in the US and Canada before the system was launched in those markets last year. Validation runs in the UK helped demonstrate handling capability in conditions and circumstances that drivers face on a daily basis, such as worn lane markings, bad weather and roadworks.
"There's a reason why Ford BlueCruise is the first hands-free driving system of its kind to be approved for use in a European country: We've proven that it can support the driver while requiring the driver's eyes to be on the road for the safety of themselves and their passengers while the system is active. This means BlueCruise can help make other road users' journeys more comfortable too," said Torsten Wey, chief engineer, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, Ford Europe.
BlueCruise is the latest addition to the Mustang Mach-E technology suite that also includes Pre Collision Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0 and Ford's SYNC 4A connectivity system supported by a 15.5-inch touchscreen.
In addition, Ford Power-Up software updates can use the connectivity provided by FordPass Connect to continuously improve the vehicle and add new features without the driver even leaving the house.
Offering up to 600 kilometres of electric range between charges and supported by Ford's BlueOval Network charging network - the largest in Europe, with more than 450,000 chargers and growing - Mustang Mach-E is one of nine all-electric vehicles Ford plans to offer in Europe by 2024. Ford plans to achieve zero emissions for all vehicle sales and carbon neutrality across its European facility, logistics and supplier footprint by 2035.
