Ford to launch lane-change-notification system in 2013 Fusion

Jan. 3, 2012—Ford will introduce its Lane Keeping System (LKS) technology, which alerts the driver of unintentional lane shifts, in its 2013 Fusion.

LKS relies on a windshield-mounted camera (located behind the rearview mirror) and motion-sensing software to determine the vehicle’s lane location. The system engages when the vehicle travels faster than 40 miles per hour and lane markers are distinguishable. LKS detects when the vehicle veers toward the edge of a lane without the driver activating a turn signal. The system notifies the driver through steering-wheel vibrations. If the driver doesn’t respond, the vehicle’s electric-power-assisted steering will steer the vehicle back toward the center of the lane.

Lane-change-notification systems have been implemented in some luxury-brand vehicles, but the 2013 Fusion is the first mainstream sedan to include the technology, Ford says. The company plans to extend the feature this year to other models, such as the Explorer.

The 2013 Ford Fusion will be on display at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit Jan. 10–23.