FORD TO COMPLETE REAR CAMERA ROLL-OUT ON NEARLY ALL MODELS

Ford’s rear view camera system is unique in that it displays video at bumper level in the rear view mirror as opposed to the navigation system. We found Ford’s system to work well when we tested it, and customers appreciate the fact that they can purchase the system without also buying an expensive navigation system.

Ford Motor Company will continue its aggressive technology onslaught by completing the roll-out of its innovative Rear View Camera System that will be available on nearly all Ford and Lincoln models by the end of 2011.

“Ford is making new innovations such as the Rear View Camera System available to a wide range of customers in most of our vehicles to help them see better when reversing,” said Jim Buczkowski, director of electrical and electronics systems engineering at Ford.  “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.”

Ford’s system uses an exterior camera embedded in the rear of the vehicle that sends images to a video display in the rearview mirror or the navigation system screen to help enhance visibility directly behind the vehicle when the driver is in reverse.  The rearview mirror system allows customers a choice in systems.

Ford’s Rear View Camera System image is overlaid with lines that mark the width of the vehicle and are shown either on a rear-view mirror display or navigation system screen.  The camera’s low light capability, combined with the intensity of the vehicle’s reverse lamps, helps illuminate the image even in dark parking areas.