Strictly Come Parking with Ann Widdecombe

As you saw in the video the Park Assist was a hit with Ms. Widdecombe, she described it as ‘…any woman’s parking dream.’  Although Ann says it’s every woman’s parking dream we think there may be a fun men lining up for this new technology as a recent survey commissioned by Ford found that 39% of UK drivers need more than one attempt to complete a parallel parking manoeuvre.

The new technology seems to be a hit not only with Ann but with customers as David Calder, Ford of Britain Medium Car Product Manager said, ‘since the All-New Ford Focus went on sale already 1 in 10 is sold with Park Assist…it’s proving a popular parking aid.’  It is important to keep in mind that the Active Park Assist is not only available on the New Focus but also the C-Max and Grand C-Max models. 

You are probably wondering how it works, its quite straight forward, there are 10 ultra sonic sensors on the sides of the vehicle and on the front and rear bumpers.  Once the system is activated, front side sensors constantly scan for gaps between cars parked at the side of the road, alerting the driver to a suitable space with an audible chime and via a visual display in the centre console.

All parking manoeuvres are carried out to 10km/h and the system is designed to park 150mm from the kerb so you don’t have to worry about any of the alloys scraping off the kerb!  It’s simple to retain control after you have parked the car all you have to do is put the car into first or reverse gears and as Ann mentioned in the video it is as easy to regain control in the middle of the manoeuvre all you have to do it take hold of the wheel.

If you are interested in the Active Park Assist why not call into one of our dealerships and test drive it for yourself or for more information contact us today via email.