The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into Ford Motor Company’s BlueCruise hands-free driving technology. The probe, announced on Monday, covers 129,222 vehicles.
The investigation follows reports of collisions involving Ford models equipped with BlueCruise, a system designed to allow hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways. According to the NHTSA, concerns have arisen over potential safety issues linked to the technology, which enables drivers to relinquish control under specific conditions.
Ford’s BlueCruise has been a key feature in models such as the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning, aiming to compete with similar technologies like Tesla’s Autopilot and GM’s Super Cruise. However, some incidents reportedly involved the system not functioning as intended, raising questions about its reliability and safety protocols.
The NHTSA has not yet identified any specific defects but stated it is collecting data to assess whether further action is necessary. Ford confirmed it is cooperating with the agency, emphasizing its commitment to customer safety.
This investigation adds to growing scrutiny of advanced driver-assistance systems as regulators and automakers work to address challenges in ensuring safe autonomous vehicle technology.
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