Ford will complete its roll out of a rear view camera on nearly all Ford and Lincoln models by the end of 2011, in what it terms an “aggressive technology onslaught.”
Company director of electrical and electronics systems Jim Buczkowski said, “Our research shows that visibility is one of the biggest customer concerns today, which is why we are the only company to offer a Rear View Camera System, Blind Spot Mirrors and the radar-based Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic system.”
Twenty percent of new cars come with a back up camera system, says Automobile magazine.
Ford’s update comes on the heels of an announcement on Friday that a government mandate to include back up cameras in cars may be imminent. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration wants back up camera systems be included in all vehicles over 10,000 pounds by 2014.
The rule would be phased in starting in 2012 when 10 percent of vehicles must include cameras. The agency could proceed with the mandate after it holds a 60 day comment period.
With Ford’s rear view system, you get two ways to view the area behind the car (from a camera mounted in the back). You can choose to see the camera images on a screen in the rear view mirror or the navigation screen.
The camera can also help with parking because the images behind the car appear with an overlay showing the width of the car.
Ford first announced the plan to add the back up cameras to most vehicles late in 2008.
Almost 300 fatalities a year and 18,000 injuries occur due to back over crashes, says NHTSA.
Source: Ford, Automobile
