Ford self-parking

[Yv12345vY]

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/081230/ford_...king.html?.v=2

The technology uses ultrasonic sensors on the front and rear of the vehicle, combined with electric power steering to angle and guide it into a snug parking space -- all with the push of a button.

Ford isn't the first to introduce cars that practically park themselves. Toyota Motor Corp.'s Lexus luxury line has a video camera-based parking system that can calculate whether the vehicle has enough clearance for a particular spot.

[RandomHer0]

If you need a car to park itself for you, what the hell does that say about your driving ability?

[GJBenn85]

Given Ford's history, they'll issue five recalls on the system and then decide to "disable" it by placing black tape over the controls.

[Yv12345vY]

Agreed. I wonder how good the self-parking system is compared to the Lexus one. Ford claims it'll work uphill and downhill whereas Lex doesn't.

[SpudRacer]

More evidence of a company in search of a clue! Who the hell would pay even a dollar for something as stupid as this? Is this how Ford is spending R&D dollars in hard times? How about a decent chassis with a competitive powertrain and an interior that isn't lifted from the eighties? I'd worry about that first personally. But nah! This will likely sell more than 12 cars for the geniuses in Stillborn.

[dmitriylm]

Originally Posted by SpudRacer

More evidence of a company in search of a clue! Who the hell would pay even a dollar for something as stupid as this? Is this how Ford is spending R&D dollars in hard times? How about a decent chassis with a competitive powertrain and an interior that isn't lifted from the eighties? I'd worry about that first personally. But nah! This will likely sell more than 12 cars for the geniuses in Stillborn.

Uh...big surprise that an auto manufacturer invests R&D into many many segments, some of which find their way into production vehicles. The same is true at all major manufacturers. They have divisions devoted to future concepts, which come up with many of the cool things we take for granted today. If you want a Ford with a competitive powertrain and a nice interior it's already here, they just got stuck on the wrong continent. Ford has already stated that it will be bringing it's Ford of Europe vehicles to North America sometime soon.

[Yv12345vY]

^ They really need to bring the European models to the States.

[OBG3506]

Ford, Self Parking!! i remember my aunt and her electronic fold down seats '05 expo new! Ford couldnt do anything self except keep to its self!!

[lostsk8r]

haha that audi video was great

[Law to the Rence]

thats our tax money!!

BIG THREE FOR THE FAIL

[fecurtis]

Originally Posted by Law to the Rence

thats our tax money!!

BIG THREE FOR THE FAIL

I think its a good idea, they also developed Sync with Microsoft which also looks pretty slick.

Also, Ford never got any bailout money, they say they don't need any. They only have a line of credit with the gov't that they can drawdown on (basically like a credit card) if their situation gets worse. Ford has a lot more cash on hand than GM or Chrysler.

Ford has some good all new/redesigned vehicles coming out. If you want to look at a company whos geniunely clueless...look at Chrysler.

[dmitriylm]

Originally Posted by fecurtis

I think its a good idea, they also developed Sync with Microsoft which also looks pretty slick.

Also, Ford never got any bailout money, they say they don't need any. They only have a line of credit with the gov't that they can drawdown on (basically like a credit card) if their situation gets worse. Ford has a lot more cash on hand than GM or Chrysler.

Ford has some good all new/redesigned vehicles coming out. If you want to look at a company whos geniunely clueless...look at Chrysler.

It's not that Chrysler is clueless, its that they are fvcked. They were bought by Cerberus from Daimler, who is now looking to sell them to someone else after milking anything they can from Chrysler.

[NewGuyG35]

I know the big three have worked hard at improving their image and products, but I just can't help but laff at something like this. I can't picture them being reputable brands. I guess that's what happens when you spend years at making unreliable pieces of craps.

[SpudRacer]

Originally Posted by dmitriylm

Uh...big surprise that an auto manufacturer invests R&D into many many segments, some of which find their way into production vehicles. The same is true at all major manufacturers. They have divisions devoted to future concepts, which come up with many of the cool things we take for granted today. If you want a Ford with a competitive powertrain and a nice interior it's already here, they just got stuck on the wrong continent. Ford has already stated that it will be bringing it's Ford of Europe vehicles to North America sometime soon.

I also hear that Ford Australia has some nice vehicles. Why they were deemed unfit for the US market is not clear. However, I'll wager the UAW may have influenced that decision. If so, it's another case of the UAW's shortsightedness driving another domestic maker to the brink.

[SpudRacer]

Originally Posted by dmitriylm

It's not that Chrysler is clueless, its that they are fvcked. They were bought by Cerberus from Daimler, who is now looking to sell them to someone else after milking anything they can from Chrysler.

Chrysler was bought by a PE firm (Cerberus) who didn't understand the auto industry and never intended to operate the company and grow the value long term. They bought it from Daimler to flip it quickly to a strategic buyer who was in the game for the long haul. Or, to break it up for a quick profit. What they were really after was GMAC and Chrysler Financial. The auto finance business was something they understand.

Unfortunately when the music stopped, there were no chairs left for the weak players and Cerberus was unable to dump the car business under the terms they had envisioned. I'm sure they had no clue about the timing or depth of the liquidity crunch that was coming. Now the brats are pi$$ed they made a bad bet and are trying to sue Daimler claiming incomplete disclosure of material facts at the time of the sale. Cerberus will likely lose billions on the deal.

So, IMHO Chrysler was headed for the scrap heap long before the liquidity crunch changed the game. That's why Bob Nardelli was brought in at his famous $1 per year salary. He was there to package it for sale and oversee the liquidation. His (huge) payday I'm sure was contingent on a successful disposal of the auto business. Oops!

IMHO Chrysler, Dodge, & Ram Trucks are not needed in this market. Jeep is the only brand they own that may survive.