Ford has announced an expansion of its BlueCruise hands-free driving technology, making it available as a standard feature on all supported vehicles. Previously, customers had to choose whether to add this option when purchasing a vehicle, and that choice was irreversible. With the new approach, BlueCruise will be installed on supported vehicles by default, giving customers more flexibility to activate it later or only during specific periods, such as road trips.
While customers still have the option to include BlueCruise in their vehicle’s purchase and financing, Ford is introducing subscription models for accessing the technology. Annual subscriptions are priced at $800, and monthly subscriptions can be obtained for $75. The initial purchase option costs $2,100 for three years. Ford is also offering a 90-day free trial period for those who don’t activate BlueCruise during the initial purchase.
For the 2024 model year, Ford plans to equip around 500,000 vehicles in North America with BlueCruise, a significant increase from the current installation on approximately 225,000 vehicles. This expansion also extends to Lincoln vehicles, including the 2024 Navigator and Nautilus lines, as well as select trims of the Lincoln Corsair. The pricing structure for Lincoln models remains consistent with that of Ford vehicles.
Ford is continuing to enhance the BlueCruise technology. The upcoming BlueCruise 1.3 version aims to improve performance when navigating curves and narrow lanes. According to Ford, this version will allow drivers to keep their hands off the wheel for a longer duration compared to the previous iteration. BlueCruise 1.2, introduced earlier this year, added features such as hands-free lane changes, in-lane repositioning, and predictive speed assistance.
Ford’s commitment to AI-assisted driving is evident through these advancements. The company established an automated-driving subsidiary earlier this year, underlining its dedication to shaping a future where machine-driven capabilities play a prominent role in the automotive industry. By expanding BlueCruise and offering flexible subscription options, Ford aims to make advanced driving technologies more accessible and adaptable to customers’ needs.
In conclusion, Ford’s expansion of its BlueCruise hands-free driving technology to be included as a standard feature on supported vehicles signifies the company’s dedication to advancing AI-assisted driving. The introduction of subscription models for accessing the technology underscores Ford’s commitment to flexibility and customer preferences. As Ford continues to enhance its AI-driven driving capabilities, the automotive industry inches closer to a future where machine-driven technologies play an integral role in shaping the driving experience.
