Automaker Ford Motor Co announced on Monday its plans to incorporate BlueCruise hardware as a standard feature in 500,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles starting in 2024. Currently, Ford has 225,000 vehicles on the road globally that are equipped with hands-free driving technology.
What Happened:
With the addition of the BlueCruise hardware as a standard feature, customers will have the option to activate it at a different time than the initial purchase. Additionally, customers can experience a 90-day complimentary trial of the technology starting from the date of purchase, allowing them to decide whether or not to activate it.
Ashley Lambrix, Head of Commercial Acceleration of Ford Model E, expressed the company’s belief in the technology and its potential to transform the highway driving experience. The goal is to provide more customers with the opportunity to try BlueCruise and offer flexibility for activation when they choose to use it.
The 2024 model year F-150 Lightning, Ford F-150, Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, Lincoln Nautilus, and select trims of Lincoln Corsair will now come equipped with BlueCruise directly from the factory. Previously, customers had to decide at the time of purchase if they wanted BlueCruise installed.
Customers can now choose to activate BlueCruise on an annual basis for $800 or on a monthly basis for $75 if they decide not to activate it at the time of purchase. BlueCruise allows users to remove their hands from the steering wheel on certain divided, pre-mapped motorways known as Blue Zones.
Why It Matters:
With more vehicles being equipped with BlueCruise hardware and the availability of a complimentary trial for customers to experience the technology, Ford expects an increase in activations. The expanded deployment of this technology will provide the Ford team with access to more data, which can help drive improvements and future updates.
By collecting data from a larger number of vehicles on the road, Ford will have valuable insights that can be used to enhance the performance and features of BlueCruise. This continuous improvement process will contribute to a safer and more efficient driving experience for customers.
The Future Of Mobility:
Ford’s decision to include BlueCruise as a standard feature in its vehicles aligns with the broader trend towards autonomous driving and mobility solutions. As technology continues to advance, automakers are investing in developing and incorporating self-driving capabilities into their vehicles.
The integration of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like BlueCruise represents a significant step towards achieving fully autonomous driving in the future. These systems are designed to enhance safety, convenience, and efficiency on the road by assisting drivers in various driving tasks.
Benefits Of BlueCruise:
BlueCruise offers several benefits for drivers who choose to activate this hands-free driving technology. Here are some key advantages:
Enhanced Safety: BlueCruise utilizes advanced sensors and cameras to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and detect potential hazards. By assisting with lane-keeping, adaptive cruise control, and other driving functions, BlueCruise aims to reduce the risk of accidents caused by human error.
Increased Convenience: With BlueCruise activated, drivers can experience a more relaxed and comfortable driving experience on long highway journeys. The system allows them to take their hands off the steering wheel while still maintaining control over the vehicle within designated areas.
Improved Efficiency: By optimizing driving behavior and utilizing advanced algorithms, BlueCruise aims to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The system can make more precise adjustments to speed and acceleration, leading to a smoother and more economical driving experience.
Flexibility And Choice: Ford’s decision to offer customers the choice of activating BlueCruise at a later time provides flexibility for those who may not initially want or need the technology. This approach allows customers to try out the system during the complimentary trial period before deciding whether or not to activate it permanently.
Deployment Of Updates And Improvements:
One significant advantage of having a larger fleet of vehicles equipped with BlueCruise is the increased data collection capabilities for Ford. By analyzing real-world driving data from a diverse range of environments and scenarios, Ford can gather valuable insights on system performance and identify areas for improvement.
This data-driven approach enables Ford to develop software updates and introduce new features that enhance the overall functionality of BlueCruise. Regular updates can address potential issues and further optimize the system’s performance based on user feedback and real-world usage.
Conclusion
Ford’s decision to include BlueCruise as a standard feature in half a million vehicles from next year is a significant step towards widespread adoption of hands-free driving technology. By providing customers with greater access to this innovative system and offering flexibility in activation, Ford aims to transform the highway driving experience.
With increased data collection from a larger fleet of vehicles, Ford can continue to improve BlueCruise through regular updates and feature enhancements. As technology evolves further and autonomous driving becomes more prevalent, systems like BlueCruise will play a crucial role in shaping the future of mobility and enhancing driver safety and convenience on our roads.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article does not constitute investment advice. All investing involves risks, including the potential loss of principal.