Ford India has announced to bring in a new generation of steering technology 'Adaptive Steering' that will help its vehicles maneuver easier at low speeds and in narrow spaces. While at higher speeds, the new technology will help the vehicles be more agile and precise. (Also Read: Ford EcoSport Bookings Resumed)
"First and foremost, all Ford Motor Company products have to offer a great driving experience," said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. "This new steering technology can make any vehicle easier to maneuver and more fun to drive."
The company says that the new technology "changes the ratio between the driver's actions at the steering wheel - the number of turns - and how much the front wheels turn." In old vehicles, this is a fixed steering ratio. This new Adaptive Steering, the steering ratio continually changes with vehicle speed, improving the steering response in all conditions.
As mentioned above, at lower speeds, like while parking the car or maneuvering in tight quarters, the new system helps the vehicle become more agile and easier to turn, because it dials more steering into the road wheel and requires less turning of the steering wheel. At higher speeds too, the system optimizes steering response, making the vehicle react more precisely.
"Ford's system uses a precision-controlled actuator placed inside the steering wheel, and requires no change to a vehicle's traditional steering system. The actuator - an electric motor and gearing system - can essentially add to or subtract from a driver's steering inputs. The result is a better driving experience at all speeds, regardless of vehicle size or class.", says the company.
Adaptive Steering will be made available on select vehicles from early next year. The system was developed by Ford in collaboration with Takata, a famous supplier of automotive steering and safety systems and a Ford Aligned Business Framework partner.
