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• New Active Park Assist helps drivers parallel park with the touch of a button and without ever touching the steering wheel
• Available in mid-2009 on Ford Escape, Lincoln MKS sedan and all-new Lincoln MKT crossover
• Active Park Assist uses ultrasonic-based sensing system and Electric Power Steering (EPS) to steer the vehicle into a parking spot - EPS also improves fuel economy up to 5 percent, while reducing CO2 emissions and enhancing performance, compared with traditional steering

The often stressful and frustrating task of parallel parking soon will be as easy as pressing a button, thanks to an exclusive new technology from Ford called Active Park Assist.

Available in mid-2009 as an option on the 2010 Ford Escape, the Lincoln MKS flagship sedan and new Lincoln MKT luxury crossover, Active Park Assist uses an ultrasonic-based sensing system and Electric Power Steering (EPS) to position the vehicle for parallel parking, calculate the optimal steering angle and quickly steer the vehicle into a parking spot.

"With the touch of a button, drivers can parallel park quickly, easily and safely without ever touching the steering wheel," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of Global Product Development. "This is another example of exclusive Ford technology that makes the driving experience easier and more enjoyable for customers."

Active Park Assist system uses sensors on the front and rear of the vehicle to guide the vehicle into a parking space. The technology is a major leap forward in speed and ease of use compared with the camera-reliant systems offered by competitors, including a video camera-based system offered by Lexus. Ford's system requires less driver interface and reduces the risk of selecting a parking spot that is too tight. Ford's Active Park Assist also works in downhill parking situations, unlike competing systems.