Thanks to the One Ford Strategy with the optimization of global resources, Ford is the pioneer in bringing smart technologies that are usually only equipped in high-end models to popular models at the most competitive prices. The time to bring car versions with modern technology to different markets is also significantly shortened.
More than 100 years ago, Henry Ford laid the foundation for the global automobile production line. He put the world on four wheels and made the dream of easy mobility come true. Throughout the 20th century, cars were the primary means of transportation with many great developments in safety features and designs that expressed the personality and style of the user. Today, a car has become a mobile home, a companion that provides all the necessary connections for a modern, dynamic life. And Ford is a manufacturer that always focuses on researching Safety and Green technologies first.
Smart for Safety
According to a 2013 Australian government study, active safety technology helps prevent about 35% of rear-end collisions and mitigates 53% of collisions. The US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also pointed out that active safety technology can help prevent 20% of collisions that occur in the US. Therefore, major car manufacturers in the US are making efforts to commit to equip active safety features as standard on all models by around 2022.
Typical of Ford's smart active safety technologies include:Automatic speed control system(1)(Adaptive cruise control). This speed control system uses radar to maintain a maximum speed and a safe distance according to the set level with the vehicle in front. With this technology, the system can recognize that the vehicle in front is slowing down, it will automatically reduce the speed of the vehicle to ensure the set safe distance, and the system will automatically accelerate again when the road ahead is clear. This whole process takes place very naturally and gently, so that the driver is not affected by any sudden changes in speed.
In parallel with the automatic speed control system, the featureBrakeproactive in the city(2)also supports maximum driving safety. With this system, the car will be equipped with an infrared camera system on the windshield to detect obstacles in front. When driving in the city at slow speeds (under 50km/h), the camera can scan 8-10m in front of the car. If a car in front of the same lane suddenly stops, the system will detect it in time and automatically apply emergency brakes within 3 seconds if the driver does not react. This is a mandatory safety feature in the European market.
Similarly, the systemBlind Spot Information System (BLIS)(3)Ford'salso uses rear sensors to detect objects or other vehicles in the blind spot area of the rearview mirror. If a hazard is detected, the system will transmit a signal to the rearview mirror and the signal light will turn on.
In particular, to avoid accidents due to slipping, overturning when braking or turning sharply,Electronic stability program (ESP)(4) will help detect the vehicle is losing control and immediately assist the driver by controlling the braking system, distributing braking force to each wheel while automatically reducing engine power. The ESP system can send a command signal to the braking system on one or more wheels independently so that the vehicle does not lose control or overturn. Once considered a standard only equipped in high-end models, Ford has pioneered efforts to make ESP popular in most of its vehicle lines (except Ford Transit) as maximum support for safe driving on all terrains.
Smart to Save
As a leading automobile manufacturer and dealer, Ford is also at the forefront of fuel-saving technology, aiming to minimize the impact on the environment. One of the breakthroughs that can be mentioned isEcoBoost engine technology(5) with three key technological keys: direct fuel injection system; turbocharger and variable valve timing. Thanks to that, Ford EcoBoost engines only need a very small capacity but have the same power and torque as large capacity engines, saving 20% more fuel and reducing 15% of CO2 emissions into the environment.
The high-pressure fuel injection system injects fuel directly into the combustion chamber with the exact amount of fuel calculated according to the engine's needs at each appropriate time, while the system also helps cool the intake air allowing for a higher compression ratio. Compared to indirect fuel injection engines, this technology significantly increases fuel efficiency while generating more power for the engine.
EcoBoost engines precisely control the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves to match engine speed and operating intensity. This improves fuel economy, reduces emissions, and increases engine power.
Turbocharging uses the engine's exhaust gases to increase the intake air flow into the combustion chamber at high pressure. This increases power, while variable valve timing helps eliminate "turbo lag" at low rpm.
With such impressive development, EcoBoost has been honored with many prestigious awards around the world, such as 5 times winning the International Engine of the Year award from 2012 to 2016, receiving 125 US patents, and the prestigious Dewar Trophy Award from the British Royal Family for outstanding technical achievements.
Some other fuel-saving technologies from Ford include:Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS)(6), Automatic opening and closing grille, 6-speed automatic transmission... also help Ford vehicles always operate stably, reducing fuel consumption to the maximum level.
EPAS uses an electric motor, rather than a hydraulic pump, so the steering system can be programmed. Since it is independent of the engine, the steering system is still powered even when the vehicle is stationary. This improves fuel consumption by up to 5%, as the power steering adjustment is only performed at high speeds or when road and weather conditions require it.
Combined with the automatic yaw compensation feature – useful when on slippery roads or in crosswinds – the Ford's steering system is rated as the most precise and excellent experience in many segments.
Smart to connect
In addition to fuel economy, Ford products are always highly appreciated for their sophistication in developing smart interiors with a series of advanced equipment and utilities that ensure top-notch smart connectivity in the segment. Outstanding in the series of smart technologies that help connect life isSYNC systemallows the driver to safely control the car and enjoy music at the same time. With the 8-inch high-resolution multi-touch screen, the driver can also drive to the destination with detailed maps and a global positioning system. More specifically, SYNC 3(7)Can sync with your smartphone allowing you to use voice commands to use most of the smart features on your phone with just one button.
In addition, Ford also shows its understanding of user needs, especially urban drivers who always struggle to find ways to park in limited parking spaces with the development of automatic parking assistance technology. With the featureComprehensive Active Park Assist(8), the system will help the driver scan for a suitable parking space, then automatically steer the car into the parking space and automatically steer the car out of the parking space when needed. With just one button, the system's sensors will find a suitable parallel or perpendicular parking space, and the system will automatically control the accelerator, brake and gear lever to automatically reverse the car into the required parking space accurately.
In addition, users can connect to life more easily and have a comfortable driving experience with a series of other smart features such asRemote automatic start,Automatic wipers, Noise cancelling system, 180 cameraoSurround sensors, Automatic headlights.
Ford's technological research and development successes are partly due to the One Ford Business Strategy of Ford Group worldwide, with the goal of bringing cars with the same high quality in every market. Ford also constantly focuses on exploiting the four core values of Quality - Green - Safety - Intelligence to continuously improve the customer experience, moving towards creating dynamic cars of the future.
In addition, Ford always focuses on researching modern technologies for Smart Mobility Solutions, not only solving people's simple travel needs, but also bringing future mobility services to a new level. Ford believes that with continuously developed smart mobility solutions, people's lives will be– Better and Furtheras the brand promise that the company has made.
(1) The automatic speed control system is available on Ford Everest, Ford Ranger and Ford Explorer models in Vietnam.
(2) The Active City Brake feature is available on Ford Focus models in Vietnam.
(3) Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) feature is available on Ford Focus, Ford Everest and Ford Explorer models in Vietnam.
(4) Electronic stability program (ESP) is available on most of the company's vehicles (except Ford Transit).
(5) EcoBoost engines are currently equipped on Ford Focus, Ford Fiesta, and Ford Explorer models in Vietnam.
(6) Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) is available on most of the company's vehicles (except Ford Transit).
(7) The SYNC3 system is currently available on Ford Ranger and Ford Explorer models in Vietnam.
(8) The Full Active Park Assist feature is available on Ford Focus, Ford Explorer and Ford Everest models in Vietnam.
