Using real-time video feeds from one-megapixel wide-angle cameras, placed on the front and rear bumpers, the system provides a glimpse of obstacles approaching from the sides.
The camera views are presented on a tri-panel display, helping drivers quickly distinguish obstacles coming from straight on or from either flank. The system is claimed to offer a full 180-degree view, accessible via the touch of a button, while the lens is kept clean thanks to a telescopic jet washer.
The technology is already available on the Edge and the Explorer, though the Explorer Limited is currently the only model to offer both front and rear split-view cameras. It will arrive on the all-new S-Max and Galaxy in Europe this year, before spreading to nearly every Ford SUV by 2020.
The company has also highlighted its most advanced camera technology yet, making its debut on the next Super Duty pickups. The trucks will be outfitted with no less than seven cameras, adding a forward-looking camera on the rearview mirror to help with automatic high-beams and lane-keep assist. Another camera provides a center sight line on the rear bumper to help attach a trailer.
Ford introduced rear-view cameras with the 2007 Expedition, and now offers a backup camera in every car, SUV and light truck available in North America. The basic safety technology comes standard in the Focus, Fusion, Explorer, Escape, Edge and Mustang.
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