The all-new 2013 Ford Fusion is a great example of evolution: the past, present and future of automotive safety. You see, it’s chockful of driver-assist technologies – so many in one package, in fact, it rivals that of luxury cars costing twice as many Benjamins. Bet that got your attention!

Because the safety technologies are extremely advanced on the Fusion, and are a special grouping of such advancement, they have formed the basis for the R&D of future personal mobility solutions from Ford, including autonomous assist driving capabilities.The capabilities of the Fusion stem from new sensors, such as cameras and radar, combined with existing technologies like electronic power-assisted steering (EPAS) and data from the anti-lock braking and stability control systems.

Among the available safety equipment on the Fusion is the Lane Keeping System (you can watch a video about it here), Driver Alert System, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®), active park assist, cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, collision warning and a rear view camera. This all equates to driver assistance never before available on a midsize sedan in America.

Bet that got your attention, too!

With regard to the R&D, sensing systems similar to what will be installed on the Fusion are the foundational hardware that will help further progress active safety technology. “The new Fusion is a showcase of how we will use sensors and vehicle data to enhance the driver’s own capabilities when behind the wheel,” said Paul Mascarenas, Chief Technical Officer and Vice President of Ford Research and Innovation. And watch for driver-assist technologies to eventually even help manage issues like traffic congestion and CO2 reduction.