Ford Seeks to Fully Automate Parking Vehicles, with Testing To Begin in Michigan

Parking in downtown Grand Rapids MI can be a drag, but someday in the not-so-distant future, your Ford may be able to do it for you like your own personal valet! Borgman Ford was intrigued by this recently-announced demonstration by Ford, Bedrock, and Bosch, where they will show how parking garages of the future could feasibly operate more conveniently and efficiently.

Using a modified Ford Escape, Bedrock's Assembly Garage, and smart technology from Bosch, Ford is looking to prove that automatic parking in urban areas can be both easy and convenient for drivers, as well as profitable for garage operators. Without the need to allow space for drivers and passengers to disembark vehicles, garages will be able to hold more vehicles. That means more parking spaces - something Grand Rapidians know we need more of. See some excerpts from the official announcement from Ford below:

Ford, Bedrock, And Bosch Exploring Highly Automated Vehicle Technology In Detroit To Help Make Parking Easier

Many people enjoy driving… until it’s time to park. So why not leave the task to the vehicle?

 

Ford Motor Company, Bedrock and Bosch are launching a demonstration project with connected Ford Escape test vehicles that can drive and park themselves inside Bedrock’s Assembly Garage in Detroit using Bosch smart infrastructure. This is the first U.S. infrastructure-based solution for automated valet parking where the vehicle will park itself inside a parking garage.

 

The research will take place in the Corktown neighborhood, the site of Ford’s new mobility innovation district, anchored by Michigan Central Station. The district will draw mobility innovators and disruptors from around the world to develop, test, and launch new solutions to solve urban transportation challenges, improve mobility access for everyone and prepare for the increasingly connected and autonomous world ahead.

 

“We are continually searching for opportunities to expand our leading suite of Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assist technologies that help people drive more confidently and we believe automated valet parking technology holds great promise,” said Ken Washington, chief technology officer at Ford Motor Company. “Our work with Bosch and Bedrock also aligns with our vision for the future, which includes increasingly automated vehicles that are more aware of their surroundings while requiring less on-board computing to help improve design, packaging and affordability.”

The demonstration project will enable the three companies to gain valuable insights regarding user experience, vehicle design, parking structure design and application to expand the technology and its application.

To read the full article, visit Media.Ford.com.

Looking For Your Next Ford? Visit Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids, MI

While we're still several years away from the widespread use of the systems above, many New Ford Vehicles do park themselves in normal parking spots with Active Park Assist. Many also house advanced technologies like lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, collision warning with brake assistance, and more. We'd love to show you these features during your visit to our showroom!

Check out our vast online inventory, find your favorite, then use our easy online shopping tools to schedule your test drive. Our staff will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have, and will help you find the perfect vehicle for your lifestyle and budget. Remember, Borgman is home to the Price Match Guarantee and the Love It Guarantee - read more about what makes us the Best in the West on our Why Buy Borgman page. We hope to see you soon!