Some forms of ‘21^st century technology’ seem pretty slow in arriving – with just six years until the 2015 of Back To The Future Part II, I’m starting to suspect the hoverboard might not be coming. But if Ford has its way, we’ll see cars which can parallel park themselves next year.

The company claims it’s developed a working technology which will debut in two Lincoln models set for a summer 2009 release. While similar systems exist, Ford says theirs is not only more accurate, but is the first to work on slopes.

The system is relatively simple, taking existing electronic power steering and adding front and rear ultrasonic sensors which detect both surrounding cars and blind spots. Drivers will still have to operate the pedals and gears, but can theoretically park without touching the steering wheel (though doing so might not go down well with insurance firms).

While the parking system is only going to be available on two models, the electronic power steering is being introduced across Ford’s entire range, with a target of 90 percent of all new vehicles having the feature by 2012. The company says it’s both fuel efficient and environmentally friendly as it’s powered by the car battery rather than the hydraulic pump of usual steering.

Lexus attempted an automatic parking system a couple of years ago, but it got poor reviews, with one writer saying he had to find an extra five feet of space for the system to work properly. Instead of sensors, that system used cameras to produce a picture of the parking space. The user then confirmed the intended parking location was correct, with the car then shifting automatically to that position. Reviewer Lawrence Ulrich said the picture displayed was neither accurate nor detailed enough and that the system struggled to identify curbs.

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Entry was posted on Tuesday, December 30th, 2008 at 4:45 pm under Auto, Technology.

Read more entries by John Lister.
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