Many of us are hitting the road to fitness after over-indulging during the festive period, whether its running, cycling, or going to the gym. The only problem is, when we get in the car afterwards, our exertions sometimes lead to the inside of the windscreen misting up – delaying our journey home, if only by a few minutes.
Ford’s Windscreen Weather Station prevents this before it even happens. It can detect moisture in the air as well as detect changes in the temperature of the glass, automatically activating the air-con if needed, and selecting the required airflow setting to pre-empt the windscreen misting over. *
With indoor fitness options limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more often the case that people are unable to shower after exercising. Last year, from March to June, Sport England reported 731,000 more runners and 1.2 million more cyclists than before, while Germany saw a 42 per cent increase in runners, as people tried to stay active during lockdown.
The Windscreen Weather Station is located on the glass, near the rear-view mirror on the glass. The 5 cm X 3 cm system consists of several sensors. The latest version, already introduced to the Ford Kuga and Explorer SUVs, also helps improve fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions by reducing the usage of the air-con’s compressor.
Ford recently teamed up with outdoor experience experts komoot to enable drivers to plan, navigate and enjoy an adventure in the great outdoors; and drivers of selected electrified Ford vehicles can utilise FordPass to defrost the windscreen and set the cabin temperature before starting their journey. ** For the outside, Ford’s patented QuickClear technology de-ices the windscreen in seconds at the touch of a button.
Quotes
“Waiting for your windscreen to clear after exercising is one of life’s little irritations – but driving without being able to clearly see the view ahead can be dangerous. This technology anticipates the problem and deals with it without the driver even knowing.”
Ingo Krolewski, supervisor, Climate Controls and Attributes, Ford of Europe
Links
Video: https://youtu.be/K9-x_HY83-8
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* The sensor system is included on vehicles with Dual Electric Automatic Temperature Control.
** In regions where permitted by law.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification; mobility solutions, including self-driving services; and connected services. Ford employs approximately 187,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.
Ford of Europe is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 50 individual markets and employs approximately 45,000 employees at its wholly owned facilities and consolidated joint ventures and approximately 58,000 people when unconsolidated businesses are included. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 18 manufacturing facilities (12 wholly owned facilities and six unconsolidated joint venture facilities). The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911.
