Active Park Assist Is Phenomenal!

I am not someone who embraces all of the technological gadgets that are coming on the market today particularly pertaining to stuff added to our cars. I like to drive a car without it driving me although I must confess that cars are much more technologically sophisticated than they were just ten years ago.

Self Parking

One bit of technology I have decided is useful for some driver is self parking technology. I believe it was Toyota who rolled this feature out in 2009 with one or more Lexus models, allowing drivers to effectively take their hands off of the wheel and let their Lexus do the parking for them.

I think this technology is particularly useful for anyone who has had surgery, including women who have had a mastectomy and no longer have much strength left in their shoulders to turn their heads around, swing the steering wheel and attempt to park their car.

Dearborn Driver

Last week, when I visited Ford’s headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, I had the opportunity to test drive a number of vehicles on the track. There were also several models sitting on the side of the road, parked in a line. I quickly realized that this was Ford’s demonstration for their new Active Park Assist technology, something I’ve seen on Lincoln TV ads over the past few weeks.

With just 15 minutes left before I was to jump on a shuttle taking me to the airport for my flight home, I decided to check out what Active Park Assist was all about. I’m glad that I did.

Simple Process

So how does the technology work? Very easily, actually. What’s more, Ford says that their technology works on a hill while Toyota’s does not. That’s important because I can think of a number of places where cars need to be parked on an incline and where Active Park Assist would come in handy.

APA uses a three step process to get the job done. Firstly, the driver activates the system by the press of a button located on the center console. That button activates ultrasonic sensors that measure and identify a parking space. If the space is too short, you won’t be guided into position, but even if it is shorter than one you might try to handle, you may still be squeezed in: Ford says that APA can handle spaces that are 20 percent tighter.

Secondly, APA prompts the driver to accept parking assistance. Once that happens, the steering system takes over and puts the car in the space. You’ll still operate the gas pedal and brake; you will also shift the transmission into reverse and back into drive before the car is parked.

Thirdly, you’ll receive a visual or audible cue to let you know if other vehicles or objects are in the way. If a problem arises, you can grab hold of the steering wheel to take over. In any case you’re in charge even if your vehicle actively assists you in this endeavor.

Optionally Available

APA is optional equipment on select Ford, Mercury and Lincoln brand models. I was laughing as the Escape took over the steering and was surprised at just how well APA parked the car.

Yes, I may not seek this technology out personally, but having it available can certainly make a positive difference for any driver.

Source: Ford Motor Company

See Also — Ford Showcases Its Technical Prowess