Picture This: Ford Adds New Camera Technologies

Ford Motor Co. plans to make rearview cameras standard on all its light vehicles in North America by 2018, and most of its global vehicles will be equipped with front cameras by 2020. Backup cameras currently are standard on 19 Ford vehicles in North America.

The company also is introducing a new split-view camera system to help drivers see traffic and obstacles around corners during slow speed (under 6 mph) maneuvers, such as pulling out of a parking spot. The system uses real-time video feeds from a 1-megapixel wide-angle lens from cameras mounted on a vehicle's grille and tailgate to display a 180 view of the area in front of or behind a vehicle on an 8-inch center console screen.

A tiny telescopic jet washer helps keep the front camera clean. Some applications also have a washer for the rear camera.

Ford introduced the split-view technology on the 2015 Edge and 2016 Explorer SUVs in the U.S. and China and is in the process of adding it to other models and other markets. By 2020 the system will be available on nearly all Ford SUVs worldwide.

The company expects to install 2 million cameras annually across its global lineup in coming years. The next-generation 2017 Super Duty pickup alone will be equipped with seven cameras two more than the 2016 F-150 pickup truck, which currently has more cameras than any Ford model.

The F-150's cameras are mounted in the outside mirrors and at the rear and front of the vehicle to provide drivers with a 360 view of the vehicle's surroundings. A forward-looking camera mounted behind the inside rearview mirror is used to activate auto high beams and lane-keeping assist. The 2017 Super Duty will add split-view cameras and an all-new digital architecture.