Dearborn, Michigan - Ford Motor Company has announced that it will offer a new, advanced active collision avoidance technology, Collision Warning with Brake Support, on some of its Ford and Lincoln vehicles next year.

The system uses radar to detect moving vehicles directly ahead. When the danger of a collision is detected, the system warns the driver with a beep and a red warning light projected on the windshield above the instrument panel. The system also automatically pre-charges the brakes, and engages a brake-assist feature that helps drivers quickly reach maximum braking once the brakes are engaged.

Collision Warning with Brake Support is one of three new radar-based technologies Ford is launching in certain 2008 and 2009 vehicles, along with Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert.

“The new Collision Warning with Brake Support technology puts us on the leading edge of active safety to help customers detect and avoid possible dangers,” said Paul Mascarenas, vice-president of engineering, Global Product Development. “Ford will be the first to offer this technology on mainstream models that many families can afford.”