ON THE CUTTING EDGE: Parallel Parking For Dummies
In mid-2009 Ford plans to debut Active Park Assist, a "self-parking system" that uses ultrasonic sensors to measure potential parking spaces, alert the driver when it finds one that’s the right size, and automatically backs the car into the space:
The optional feature will be available on the new Lincoln MKT luxury crossover and the Lincoln MKS sedan, reports Detroit Free Press:
[Ford] expects the system to get a warmer reception than the first self-parking car, the widely mocked Lexus LS 460L luxury sedan. …
Lexus introduced its self-parking system on the $63,675 LS 460 luxury sedan a couple of years ago. The system is part of a $6,345 option package on the 2009 LS 460. …
Lexus' complicated park-assist system quickly became the butt of jokes because of its slow and inconsistent operation.
The system is faster and more accurate than that in the Lexus, said Ali Jammoul, Ford's chief engineer for chassis engineering and steering systems.
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