New Ford Fusion Stops for Safety

Ford Motor Co. will offer 20 driver-assist technologies across its 2017 Fusion midsize sedan range, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants.

The new Fusion, which bows this spring in the U.S., will be Ford’s first vehicle in North America to offer adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capabilities and the company’s Pre-Collision Assist with pedestrian detection technology.

In addition to maintaining a set following distance, the adaptive cruise control can bring a vehicle to a complete stop when needed and return it to its preset speed when traffic permits. If the car is stopped for more than three seconds, the driver has to tap the resume button or accelerator pedal to turn the system back on. This ensures the driver is paying attention during a prolonged stop, the carmaker notes.

Ford plans to add the stop-and-go feature to three other models within the next two years.

Using the same camera and radar sensors, Pre-Collision Assist with pedestrian detection monitors the road ahead for obstacles. If a potential collision is detected, the system provides a visual and audible warning to the driver. It also pre-charges the brakes and, if necessary, can automatically apply full braking force to avoid or lessen the severity of a crash.