Ford Puts Rear-Seat Air Bags in Belts

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Ford Puts Rear-Seat Air Bags in Belts

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For Rear-Seat Passengers, Ford Puts Air Bags in Belts
New York Times, November 5, 2009,NICK BUNKLEY
DEARBORN, Mich. — The Ford Motor Company has turned its seat belt into a marketing tool. Ford said on Thursday that beginning in 2010, it planned to be the first automaker to offer inflatable rear seat belts, a technology aimed at reducing injuries to children and elderly passengers in a crash. Like other automakers, Ford is trying to use the different technology as a way to attract new customers, particularly at a time when many vehicles come with six or more air bags and myriad other safety features. Ford also offers radar-enabled adaptive cruise control and amenities called MyKey, which allows parents to impose certain limitations on teenage drivers, and Sync, a system that permits hands-free interaction with mobile phones and the vehicle’s audio system.
Ford first demonstrated the concept of inflatable belts in 2001. Another automaker, Toyota, is planning to offer a similar feature next year in the Lexus LFA, a $375,000 two-seat supercar.
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