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23-Jun-2015 | COLOGNE, Germany
Cars That Can See Around
Corners? Ford in Europe
Launches Video Technology
That Could Help Drivers
Avoid Collisions
• Ford’s Front Split View Camera – installed in the front
grille – offers a 180-degree view of traffic approaching that
drivers would otherwise have to edge forwards to see
• New camera system can take the stress out of blind
junctions and other situations with reduced visibility
• Data recorded by the European Road Safety Observatory
SafetyNet project indicates that 19 per cent of drivers
involved in accidents at junctions experienced obstructions
to view*
• Debuting on all-new S-MAX and Galaxy, the first-in-
segment system employs a telescopic jet‑washer to keep
the tiny lens clear, helps ensure clear visibility even at
sunrise or sunset
COLOGNE, Germany, June 23, 2015 – For drivers, blind junctions
can be a nerve-wracking experience as they slowly inch forward
into traffic and strain to see and hear oncoming vehicles.
Now Ford Motor Company is introducing a new camera technology
that can see around corners even when drivers cannot – reducing
stress and potentially helping avert collisions.
The innovative Front Split View Camera – now available as an
option in the all-new Ford S-MAX and Galaxy – displays to the
driver a 180-degree view from the front of the car, using a video
camera in the grille. At a blind junction or exiting a driveway,
the camera enables drivers to easily spot approaching vehicles,
pedestrians or cyclists.
“We have all been there and it’s not just blind junctions that can
be stressful, sometimes an overhanging tree, or bushes can be the
problem,” said Ronny Hause, engineer, Driver Assistance Electronic
Systems, Ford of Europe, whose team worked closely on the
project with their U.S. counterparts. “For some, simply driving off

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their own driveways is a challenge. Much like rear-view cameras,
Front Split View Camera is one of those technologies that people
will soon wonder how they managed without.”
The first-in-segment technology is activated at the push of a
button. A 1-megapixel camera in the front grille enables drivers to
see a real-time 180-degree view – both left and right – on the
vehicle’s 8-inch colour touchscreen. Drivers can track road‑users
that approach on either side and pass in front of the vehicle.
The camera, just 33 millimetres wide, is kept clear by a specially
designed retractable jet-washer that operates automatically when
the windscreen wipers are activated.
Data recorded by the European Road Safety Observatory
SafetyNet project indicated that approximately 19 per cent of
drivers involved in accidents at junctions experienced obstructions
to view.* The U.K. Department of Transport said that in 2013, vision
affected by external factors contributed to 11 per cent of all road
accidents.**
“From sunrise to sunset we tested the Front Split View Camera on
all kinds of roads, congested urban streets and areas with a lot
of cyclists and pedestrians,” Hause said. “Tackling tunnels, narrow
alleys and garages in all light conditions also meant we could
ensure the technology worked well even when sunlight was shining
directly into the camera.”
Ford models including the all-new S-MAX and Galaxy already offer
Rear View Camera technology that helps drivers manoeuvre the
vehicle when in reverse; and Cross Traffic Alert system, which uses
rear-mounted sensors to warn drivers reversing out of a parking
space of vehicles that may soon be crossing behind them. Further
new driver assistance technologies offered for the all-new S-MAX
and Galaxy include:
• Intelligent Speed Limiter, which when activated scans
traffic signs and adjusts the throttle to help drivers stay
within legal speed limits and avoid fines
• Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, which will
reduce the severity of some frontal collisions involving
vehicles and pedestrians, or help drivers avoid some
impacts altogether
• Glare-Free Highbeam technology for the adaptive LED
headlamps, which detects vehicles ahead and fades out
light that could dazzle oncoming drivers, while retaining
maximum illumination for other areas
“Pulling out at a blind junction can be a tricky manoeuvre for new
and experienced drivers alike. The best approach has traditionally
been to simply lean forward to get the best view whilst creeping
forwards with the windows wound down to listen for approaching
vehicles, but cyclists are a particular risk as they can’t be heard,”
said Keith Freeman, an AA Quality Training Manager in the U.K. who

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also trains young drivers as part of the Ford Driving Skills For Life
programme. “This technology will certainly make emerging from
anywhere with a restricted view so much safer and the experience
less nerve-wracking for those behind the wheel.”
The all-new S-MAX and Galaxy are available to order now. Front
Split View Camera also will be offered for the all-new Ford Edge
upscale SUV, available in Europe later this year.
‑ ‑ ‑
*http://safetyknowsys.swov.nl/Statistics/Basic%20fact
%20sheets/2012/BFS2012_DaCoTA-TRL_Junctions.pdf
**https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/ras50-
contributory-factors‑table-ras50001
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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based
in Dearborn, Michigan manufactures or distributes automobiles
across six continents. With about 194,000 employees and 66
plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford
and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford
Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its
products worldwide, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.
Ford of Europe
is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand
vehicles in 50 individual markets and employs approximately
53,000 employees at its wholly owned facilities and approximately

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67,000 people when joint ventures and unconsolidated businesses
are included. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford
Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 23
manufacturing facilities (15 wholly owned or consolidated joint
venture facilities and 8 unconsolidated joint venture facilities). The
first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford
Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911.