Class-Exclusive Technologies Help Keep 2011 Ford Edge a Safety and Security Leader

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ --

• 2011 Ford Edge has class-exclusive AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™) standard, one of several technologies further enhancing the safety capability of the popular midsize crossover

• Traction control, Tire Pressure Monitoring System and available all-wheel drive also can bring peace of mind to customers

• Several class-exclusive driver assistance technologies available on 2011 Ford Edge include adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support and cross-traffic alert

The wealth of available class-exclusive features added to the 2011 Ford Edge include driver assistance technologies that bring peace of mind.

Leading the safety technology for the popular midsize crossover is Ford Motor Company's (NYSE: F) exclusive AdvanceTrac with RSC. This electronic stability control system helps maintain a driver's intended path by measuring side-to-side yaw through steering angle, lateral acceleration and yaw rate sensors and automatically making braking and throttle adjustments.

When wheel slip is sensed, AdvanceTrac reduces engine torque and applies selected brakes. RSC is an additional vehicle control software module that monitors and helps control vehicle roll rate.

"With class-exclusive safety technology and solid unibody construction, the 2011 Ford Edge will continue to be a leader in safety," said Elaine Bannon, Edge chief engineer. "For families who place a premium on safety, the new Edge features several new available technologies that can help avoid an accident."

New available driver assistance and convenience technologies added to the 2011 Ford Edge and how they help include:

• Adaptive cruise control allows the driver to set the vehicle's cruising speed, using advanced radar technology to monitor traffic ahead and scan for slower vehicles. The system slows the vehicle to adapt for traffic conditions and maintain the preset distance between vehicles. Once traffic clears, the set speed returns. Gap distance settings can be customized from four predetermined options.
• Collision warning with brake support helps reduce speed, automatically pre-charges brakes, provides a red warning light on the windshield as well as an audible beep and engages an electronic brake assist system to help drivers stop more quickly when the system detects a collision is imminent.
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross-traffic alert is a feature that can help detect vehicles in blind spots during normal driving, as well as traffic approaching from the sides when reversing out of parking spots.
• MyKey® is designed to allow parents to encourage teenagers to drive safely and more fuel efficiently, and increase seat belt usage. The standard MyKey feature allows owners to designate keys that can limit the vehicle's top speed, audio volume and other features.
• Rear view camera automatically engages when the vehicle is placed in reverse. The camera is located in the liftgate above the license plate, and video is shown on the available 8-inch center stack touch screen with an image providing vehicle centerline, rear bumper orientation and trajectory lines to relate an object's proximity to the rear of the vehicle.
• Hill start assist helps keep the vehicle from rolling backward, making it easier to pull away when on a slope or hill. With the brake pedal pressed, if sensors detect the vehicle is on a slope, the system is automatically activated. Brake pressure is held in the braking system and the vehicle remains stationary on the slope for up to two seconds after the driver releases the brake pedal.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 159,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company