American legacy automaker Ford has just secured the necessary approval from the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) to bring its Level 2+ semi-autonomous BlueCruise technology to Germany.
Notably, the major development occurred following the UK’s approval of Ford’s advanced driver assistance system (ADAS).
BlueCruise capabilities
As mentioned, Ford’s BlueCruise is a Level 2+ semi-autonomous driving technology. Therefore, owners with this feature can remove their hands from the steering wheel on authorized highways in Germany called “Blue Zones.”
However, drivers must remain attentive to take over when necessary to avoid accidents. Ford installed an infrared camera in the car to detect drivers’ attentiveness. It will warn and remind drivers to look at the road in case they are distracted.
BlueCruise features multiple sensors like the front-facing camera to effectively identify speed limits, lane markings, and traffic settings. In effect, the technology can regulate the car’s acceleration, steering, braking, and lane positioning.
“We are very pleased that we can now also offer our customers this innovative technology in Germany after we were the first manufacturer in Europe with a system of this type in Great Britain in April.
Ford BlueCruise reaches a whole new dimension in terms of comfort for the driver: It can make strenuous journeys on the freeway much easier because it supports the driver in an intelligent, tried and tested, and, above all, safe way – for a much more relaxed arrival at the destination.”
Martin Sander, Ford Model e Europe Managing Director
The automaker also asserted that the German approval is primarily due to the garnered data from 1 million+ test kilometers globally for the system.
“With BlueCruise, Ford is positioning itself as a leading provider of future-proof driver assistance technologies. Data collected from more than one million test kilometers from around the world formed the basis for successful approval in Germany. We are proud to have developed such a competitive system that has won awards repeatedly – just like in Germany recently.”
Torsten Wey, Ford Europe’s Head of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
Ford aims to first introduce the BlueCruise in the all-electric Mustang Mach-E for the German auto market.
BlueCruise presence in the US and Canada
Ford’s BlueCruise has already driven more than 108 million miles (175 million km) in the US and Canada. This achievement is made possible by over 174,000 BlueCruise-equipped Ford and Lincoln EVs.
Remarkably, Consumer Reports even acknowledged BlueCruise as the best ADAS in January. It ultimately overthrew EV giants like Tesla and General Motors.’
It is also worth noting that European testing for Ford’s ADAS has already reached 160,000 km as the automaker prepares for the system’s domestic debut.
Semi-autonomous Driving Adoption in Europe
The KBA has also approved the Level 2+ ADAS of German automaker BMW in June. Owners can enjoy hands-free driving on authorized highway areas with a speed limit of 130 kph (80 mph).
Likewise, Mercedes-Benz has also been permitted to sell its Level 3 Drive Pilot through its EQS model in Germany since May 2022. It is a more advanced system that allows drivers to take their eyes off the road.
Meanwhile, Ford initially gained the necessary approval for BlueCruise in the UK in April. Owners can activate the system on 3,700 km (2,300 miles) of pre-mapped motorways. Its speed is limited to 130 km/h (80 mph), as reported by Car Scoops.
See Also:
- Ford CEO explains why legacy automakers lag in OTA updates
- Ford develops a new autonomous driving unit
- Tesla Autopilot scores lower in driver assistance ratings, according to a testing group
- Autonomous car company Argo AI is officially closing its doors
- Mercedes to offer US’ first level 3 self-driving technology
Ford will initially release BlueCruise as a feature of the Ford Mustang Mach-E in Germany. The all-electric vehicle is set to arrive in the German EV market in the following weeks.
