Ford Active Drive Assist: Hands-Free Driving in the 2021 Mustang Mach-E

Introduction to Ford's Active Drive Assist

Ford is making waves in the automotive industry with the introduction of Active Drive Assist, a cutting-edge addition to its Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assist features. This technology, set to debut on select 2021 Ford vehicles, starting with the all-electric Mustang Mach-E, positions Ford as the third automaker to offer conditional hands-free driving in the U.S., following GM and BMW.

--FIRST CAR LIST HERE--

Unlike its competitors, Ford is bringing this advanced technology to a mass-market brand, making it more accessible to a broader audience. This move underscores Ford's commitment to innovation and safety, setting a new standard in the automotive industry.

--TOP ADVERTISEMENT HERE--

How Active Drive Assist Works

Active Drive Assist is designed to provide a hands-free driving experience on pre-mapped divided highways. The system works in conjunction with adaptive cruise control and lane centering, allowing drivers to take their hands off the wheel while the vehicle maintains its course. However, this doesn't mean drivers can completely disengage. The system includes a driver-facing infrared camera that monitors the driver's head and eye position, ensuring they remain attentive to the road.

--SECOND CAR LIST HERE--

• Infrared Camera: Tracks the driver's head and eye movements, even through most sunglasses.
• Alerts and Deceleration: If the driver looks away for too long, the system issues alerts and may decelerate the vehicle.
• Pre-Mapped Highways: The system is operational on over 100,000 miles of divided highways across the U.S. and Canada.
• --FIRST CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--
  

Comparison with Competitors

Ford's Active Drive Assist enters a competitive landscape dominated by GM's Super Cruise and BMW's Extended Traffic Jam Assistant. Both systems are currently limited to their respective luxury brands, Cadillac and BMW. Ford's decision to introduce this technology in a mass-market vehicle like the Mustang Mach-E is a significant differentiator.

--THIRD CAR LIST HERE--

--SECOND CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--

Availability and Pricing

Early adopters of the Mustang Mach-E will need to order the Ford Co-Pilot360 Active 2.0 Prep Package, which includes the necessary hardware for Active Drive Assist. The software itself will be available via an over-the-air update in the third quarter of 2021. This package also includes Active Park Assist 2.0, enabling the vehicle to handle parallel and perpendicular parking autonomously.

--FOURTH CAR LIST HERE--

Ford has yet to reveal specific pricing details for the latest version of Co-Pilot360 or whether Active Drive Assist will require a subscription fee after the initial period. This is a critical consideration, especially given that GM's Super Cruise requires a paid subscription to OnStar after the first three years.

Additional Features in Co-Pilot360

Beyond Active Drive Assist, the Mustang Mach-E's Co-Pilot360 suite includes several other advanced features designed to enhance safety and convenience:

• Road Edge Detection: Helps keep the vehicle on the road in rural areas.
• Lane-Keeping Nudge: Gently steers the vehicle back into its lane if it drifts toward adjacent traffic.
• Stop-and-Go Resume: Automatically resumes movement after extended stops in traffic.
• --THIRD CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--
  

Future Enhancements

Ford has hinted at the potential for future enhancements to Active Drive Assist, suggesting that the system could evolve to offer even more capabilities. While the current version is limited to divided highways, future updates could expand its operational domain, making it even more versatile and useful for drivers.

--FIFTH CAR LIST HERE--

Conclusion

Ford's Active Drive Assist represents a significant leap forward in automotive technology, bringing hands-free driving to a mass-market audience. With its advanced features, robust safety measures, and competitive pricing, the Mustang Mach-E is poised to set a new standard in the industry. As Ford continues to innovate, we can expect even more exciting developments in the realm of autonomous driving.