Automobile manufacturer Ford presents today the Ford Kuga SUV, the first model manufactured in Spain with hands-free driving technology approved for Spanish roads, which was produced at the Almussafes factory in Valencia. According to the company, the BlueCruise technology incorporated into the sport utility vehicle (SUV) is a Level 2 (SAE) driver assistance system that operates on authorized sections of highways and dual carriageways.
This advanced feature allows the vehicle to assume complete control of steering, acceleration, braking, and lane positioning up to the maximum speed limit permitted on the road. Furthermore, to ensure that the driver’s mind and vision remain actively engaged in driving, an infrared camera constantly monitors their gaze and head position.
In this way, Ford explains that the system emits visual and audible alerts if the driver diverts their eyes from the road ahead, ensuring safety. If it registers no reaction from the operator, the vehicle reduces its speed progressively and safely until coming to a complete stop. The moment the steering wheel is gripped again, the car recovers its conventional adaptive cruise control mode and hands-on operational state.
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Currently, the BlueCruise technology is activated only on sections of highways and dual carriageways that feature physical separation between opposing traffic lanes.
These specific roads must be previously mapped by Ford in high definition through GPS technology to ensure the safety of the system. In Spain, this approved network covers approximately 28,500 kilometers, representing 90% of the national network of dual carriageways and highways, according to company data.
Across the rest of Europe, this mapped network accounts for 94% of the European dual carriageway system, the automobile manufacturer detailed today. This launch marks a significant milestone for Spanish automotive manufacturing, positioning the Valencia plant at the absolute forefront of driving innovation.
