In recent years, the automotive industry has been rapidly advancing towards a future of autonomous driving. As one of the leading players in the field, Ford has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation to bring us closer to that reality. One of their latest offerings, Ford BlueCruise †, is an advanced driver-assist technology that aims to provide a seamless and safe driving experience.
The Evolution of Ford BlueCruise
Ford
BlueCruise is an evolution of Ford's Co-Pilot360 technology, which
already offers a range of driver-assist features such as lane-keeping,
adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking
‡‡.
BlueCruise takes it a step further by introducing L2 hands-free driving
in designated ‘Blue Zones’. It represents a significant milestone in
the journey towards fully autonomous vehicles.
How Does BlueCruise Work?
BlueCruise
utilises a combination of advanced camera and radar sensors,
high-resolution mapping data, and real-time adaptive technologies to
enable hands-free driving. By using these technologies, Ford BlueCruise
can precisely position the vehicle within the lane and maintain a safe
distance from other vehicles. The system also monitors the driver's
attention and prompts them to regain control if necessary, ensuring a
safe and responsible transition between automated and manual driving.
Hands-Free and Confidence-Inducing Experience
The
key highlight of Ford BlueCruise is its hands-free capability. Once
engaged, drivers can take their hands off the steering wheel, allowing
the system to take control. However, it is important to note that the
driver must still remain attentive and ready to take over when required.
To ensure this, BlueCruise
‡‡
employs a driver-facing camera to monitor the driver's attention and
alertness levels, providing an added layer of safety and accountability.
BlueCruise Compatible Vehicles and Road Networks
Initially available on the all-electric Mustang Mach-E, BlueCruise is designed for use on over 95% of the UK’s motorways†,
designated as Ford Blue Zones. Ford has worked closely with partners to
create a detailed map of these pre-qualified sections of motorways,
ensuring that the system operates within its limitations. As technology
advances and regulatory approvals are obtained, the road network
coverage for BlueCruise is expected to expand. With automatic updates
enabled and completed, your vehicle will have the latest Blue Zone
routes.
Safety and Customer Confidence
Safety
remains a top priority for Ford, and BlueCruise undergoes rigorous
testing and validation to ensure reliability and robustness. The system
has been put through millions of miles of testing
‡,
including simulations and real-world scenarios, to deliver a safe and
dependable experience. By leveraging their extensive experience and
expertise, Ford aims to instill confidence in customers who embrace this
technology.
Looking Ahead
Ford
BlueCruise represents a significant step forward in the journey towards
autonomous driving. It not only offers convenience and ease of use but
also lays the foundation for future advancements in the automotive
industry. With each iteration and enhancement, BlueCruise will continue
to learn, adapt, and improve, ushering us closer to a world where
autonomous vehicles are the norm.
Try Ford BlueCruise Today
The future of driving, completely free of charge. All Mustang Mach-E vehicles built from 2023† are eligible for a 90-day free trial of Ford BlueCruise, worth £17.99 per month*. Just sign into your Ford Account to get started.
Talk to a member of the team for more information.
Imagery and information shown throughout this website may not reflect latest UK specifications, colours may vary, options and/or accessories may be featured at additional cost and locations and vehicles used may be outside of the UK.
Ford policy is one of continuous product development. The right is reserved to change specifications, colours of the models and items illustrated and described on this website at any time.
† Available in Great Britain only (excluding Northern Ireland). Available on Mustang Mach-E models built after 3rd November 2022.
‡ Driver’s eyes must remain on the road ahead to enable safe use of Ford BlueCruise hands-free driving. It remains the driver’s responsibility to ensure safe driving at all times. Available on Mustang Mach-E models built after 3rd November 2022.
* Ford BlueCruise subscription will auto-renew and you will be charged at the end of the 90-day period unless manually cancelled.
†† Enable automatic updates for the latest routes.
‡‡ Must be switched on in settings to enable Ford BlueCruise.