Ford BlueCruise, Ford’s unique hands-free driving technology, is available across North America (including Canada) on thousands of miles of mapped highways referred to as Hands-Free Blue Zones. The BlueCruise capability was, until very recently, confined to this continent, but as of this month, Ford is now launching the technology in Great Britain.
“It is great news that Ford has chosen us for the European launch of its BlueCruise technology, and I am delighted that this country is once more at the forefront of innovation,” said Jesse Norman, UK Transport Minister. “The latest advanced driver assistance systems make driving smoother and easier, but they can also help make roads safer by reducing scope for driver error.”
The level-2 hands-free advanced driver assistance has been given regulatory approval from the UK’s Department for Transport for use on the motorway network in Great Britain. Ford Blue Cruise is the first system of its kind approved in Europe. Over 2,300 miles of road in England, Scotland, and Wales have been mapped and designated as Blue Zones, allowing British drivers of Ford vehicles equipped with BlueCruise to experience hands-off, eyes-on driving.
“It’s not every day that you can say you’ve placed one foot in the future, but Ford BlueCruise becoming the first hands-free driving system of its kind to receive approval for use in a European country is a significant step forward for our industry,” said Martin Sander, general manager, Ford Model e, Europe. “Modern highways can be demanding even for the most confident drivers, and intimidating for many. BlueCruise can do some of the ‘heavy lifting’, to make highway driving less of a chore, and give drivers that little extra confidence and convenience.”
Owners of the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E in Britain will be the first to be able to experience BlueCruise. The technology is available via subscription in the UK, with the first 90 days included with the vehicle purchase and a £17.99 monthly fee afterwards.
“Today marks a significant moment for our industry as Ford BlueCruise becomes the first hands-free driving system of its kind to receive approval for use in Great Britain,” said Lisa Brankin, managing director, Ford UK & Ireland. “We have always strived to make technology accessible for our customers, and BlueCruise is the next step on this journey, making motorway driving a more comfortable experience.”
Ford’s goal is to have BlueCruise available in other European countries as regulatory conditions permit, rolling out across the continent over the next few years. If you’re interested in experiencing the American version of Ford BlueCruise for yourself, check out our inventory online to see some of the current Ford vehicles that have BlueCruise capability!