Ford Introduces Collision Warning with Brake Support

That reversing out thing is neat. I wonder if it can do it from the front too? This would help ensure people don't pull out in front of moving traffic as a junction of example. I guess it could scupper any attempt to rush out before the traffic gets too close and jam on the brakes, so it has its perils as well.

WOW this is revolutionary !!.....No Wait the Germans have had this in their vehicles for years. Merc and BMW offered this on the previous generation S & 7 Series models, ages ago. In fact the new "Distronic Plus" offered by Merc will not only assist with braking but come to a complete stop!! - Pre-Chraging of the brakes were used in the Old E-class with the Original SBC braking system "Brake by Wire". It's now available in Most merc models, with the new Hydraulic braking system. But I guess to the Yanks, it'll be new!!!

A lot of car technology used today debuted in S-Classes of old

I think i remember that (but for the wrong reasons)... Was that when the Mercedes engineer FORGOT to switch the thing on and, when given a demonstation to the press, the S-Class had a smash!!?

To all the A-holes talking about how the S-class did this first...you're correct. But, the "everyman" cannot afford a house on wheels. For this tech to be proliferating into "common" transportation is the true point of this article. I'm sure the FoMoCo is aware of who licensed the tech from suppliers first. But now it will reach the masses, where it can help considerably more people.

What makes you think US auto companies have the most money to spend on R&D? Mercedes is known for the hundreds of millions they spend on R&D, every year! It took them 11 years (from theory to production) to bring the first gen Distronic out in 2002. Also, you forget that the point of any company is to make a profit. Ford can't just tack an extra 2K on a product for "R&D costs" and get away with it. 2K on a 30K car is a much bigger deal than 2K on a 80K car. The price of components must go down before an "everymans car" can use many of the newer technologies (and the company still make a profit). Ford, Honda, Toyota etc... (you know the whole bunch) are just getting into true rear multi-link suspensions systems that put the kingpin axis outside of the wheel. This is a critical engineering "technology" that provides excellent wheel control and ride characteristics. Mercedes has been doing this since the early 80s. For Ford to be pulling out pre-collision systems this soon is actually pretty impressive.

It is not impressive because many other compaines are already doing it. This should have been in the Lincon line 2 years ago. I understand that u have to make a profit, but Ford has overlooked the long term and have focused on the cheap short run. Spend on R&D now and use the technology later to sell more cars. US companies, when they want to, will spend the money. Borrowing Money has never been an issue. Issue stocks or bonds. My professor that worked at ford as an engineer told us that ford does not let you try new things, because if you fail they put it in your performance review. So no one is willing to think outside the box.

Pzigly, Benz_Man is right, Merc spends more money on R&D than any other manufacturer. They have the largest Archive of R&D in the World. They are fanatical about R&D, which is why most features you see on cars today was introduced first on the S-Classes of old. But for the yanks it is a first and good for them. Merc_man, you're right, it's about time that the everyday man gets these features as not everybody can afford a Merc. My point that I was making is that the Article states they are borrowing it from Volvo. I assume they are using the same setup as volvo. The only modern major invention of the automobile that Volvo introduced into the market first was the three point seat belt in the 60's. Most of your inventions come from either Merc or BMW and a few from the japs!! Yes, Volvo is focused on safety and airbags etc. But most of the features they didn't invent. Just improved.

THAT'S RUBBISH, FORD IS CRAP IT IMITATES VOLVO IN EVERYTHING. VOLVO SHOULD PUT LIMITS TO AVOID COPYING ITS TECHNOLOGY FROM ITS OWNER

The current XJ uses the spaceframe. It was designed by Alcoa, the people who did the past two A8s. Mercedes did not supply a CD player as standard. The changer was a $600 option because it communicates on the MOST ring. I must agree, building their image back is exactly what Lincoln needs to do. But, an 80K Towncar (no matter how good) is the last thing people would pay for!