Ford has announced the launch of its BlueCruise ADAS in Germany, having received the necessary approval from the country’s Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA). It follows the technology’s rollout in the UK alongside its expansion across the U.S. and Canada.
With BlueCruise, drivers can access hands-free driving on certain sections of federal motorways across Germany, designated as Blue Zones by Ford, while keeping their eyes on the traffic ahead. A key requirement of the KBA’s approval was met by the system’s infrared camera, which is mounted behind the steering wheel. When BlueCruise is activated, the camera monitors the driver, ensuring they are attentive to the traffic situation ahead – likewise ensuring that the driver can quickly take back control of the vehicle when necessary.
In addition to its front-facing camera, BlueCruise also uses a suite of sensors to detect lane marking, speed limits, and changing traffic conditions around the vehicle. These capabilities also allow the system to regulate the steering, acceleration, braking and positioning of the car in its own lane. Depending on the speed, it can maintain an appropriate distance from the road users ahead – even when stopping and starting in stop-and-go traffic.
In the USA and Canada, more than 194,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles have driven over 108 million miles (175 million km) in BlueCruise mode, following its 2021 launch in those countries. In Europe, Ford engineers tested its latest ADAS, including Ford BlueCruise, and their associated functions for a further 99,400 miles (160,000 km) on public roads across the continent.
Ford confirmed that, in Germany, BlueCruise will be launched alongside the region-spec Mustang Mach-E, which the OEM will begin taking orders for in the coming weeks.
