19/05/2008 Ford fits like a glove
Ford is about to fit a new modification to its Ford Focus and C-Max cars – adjustable pedals.
Drivers are used to being able to move their seats, mirrors and alter the position of the steering wheel to be at a comfortable height for longer journeys or jams during the daily commute, but now shoe size and ankle flexibility will be eased by having the opportunity to flick a switch and activate an electric motor which will move the pedal levers up to 55 centimetres closer to the seat.
Thomas Svensson, Ford brake system development engineer, says: "For some customers finding a seating position which is a comfortable distance from both pedals and steering wheel is difficult.
"With adjustable pedals, drivers can tailor their position precisely and easily using the convenient seat-mounted switch."
Ford was recently honoured with the prize of Fleet Manufacturer of the Year at the 2008 Fleet World awards. Special mention was made of the Kuga 4×4 model and the S-Max vehicles during the ceremony.
This one sure has taken some time to get from concept to showroom.
Ford showed of electrically adjustable pedals on the Technobird concept car, so long ago I can’t remember when.
The car also had electrically opening doors, on trapezoidal hinges and no front blind-spots. The A pillars were eliminated by using a fully stressed, cantilever top. The side glass dovetailed into the windscreen, when raised.
Now, courtesy of the anti-roll over legislation, that bit definitely won’t make it to market.