• Stressing over ways to navigate through busy intersections safely can soon be a thing of the past with new driver assist technology features tested by Ford
• Vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications will assist drivers to perfectly time traffic lights and more easily make left turns, saving time, fuel and helping avert collisions
  
• Testing will be conducted at the Shanghai International Automobile City for simulated settings to closely mirror real traffic conditions in China

SHANGHAI, Jan. 20, 2017 – Ever asked yourself whether to speed up or slow down when approaching a street crossing? What about that nagging feeling that traffic you can’t see might be approaching as you make a left turn?                                               

Imagine a day when stress associated with these uncertainties is reduced to help drivers easily and safely navigate through busy intersections in congested cities. That day may soon be here as Ford begins testing in China a number of driver-assist technologies aimed at leveraging the benefits of vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications. A key part of the testing is to ensure the new technologies provide a real benefit to consumers during the transition period before all vehicles are connected.

Testing will begin in February for technologies under development including “Left Turn Assist” and “Traffic Light Optimal Speed Advisory.” Ford will conduct the tests at the Shanghai International Automobile City, a municipal government initiative that offers real-life settings for automakers to research, develop and test features that could be offered in next-generation vehicles. 

With 280 million vehicle owners, China has become the world’s largest automobile market, but is also confronting worsening traffic congestion throughout the country. According to data from Shanghai United Road Traffic Safety Scientific Research Center, 89 percent of side impact accidents in China take place at intersections, reflecting an acute need for collision avoidance technology and features that contribute to a less stressful driving experience.

“Asking ourselves what would make drivers’ lives less stressful, we continuously explore new features that can help them navigate through traffic more easily and safely,” said Trevor Worthington, Ford vice president, Product Development, Asia Pacific. “The Shanghai International Automobile City provides a setting where we are able to develop, test and refine future connected vehicle technologies. We will simulate some of the challenging conditions, knowing that most cars on the road at this time will not be connected. We look forward to using the facility to continue our pursuit of providing a safer and more pleasant driving experience in China.”

Left Turn Assist is a feature that uses information exchanged between vehicles to alert drivers of oncoming traffic while making a left turn. It offers an added layer of safety against collision risk in the event the driver’s view is blocked or compromised. Traffic Light Optimal Speed Advisory smartly connects a vehicle to road infrastructure, which enables it to time traffic light data and recommend drivers on a speed range that will optimize fuel economy and traffic flow.