The new B-MAX has been awarded a prestigious technology award for its new system that aims to assist occupants by making a 999 call to the emergency services in the event of an accident.
The service works by alerting local emergency service operators via Ford's Emergency Assistance in the correct local language, which is identified by the GPS coordinates from the vehicle following an accident. This advanced system forms a key role in Ford's voice-activated in-car connectivity system SYNC, which will make its European appearance in the all-new B-MAX.
The 'Best Mobile Innovation for Automotive, Transport or Utilities Award' was given to Emergency Assistance at the 2012 Global Mobile Awards in Barcelona. The achievement crowned a historic Mobile World Congress visit for Ford following the debut for B-MAX at the show.
Ford’s executive chairman, Bill Ford, became the first automotive industry leader to deliver a keynote speech.
"Ford is delighted to see the potentially life-saving benefits of SYNC with Emergency Assistance recognised by international communications technology experts," Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO of Ford of Europe.
"Emergency Assistance makes full use of mobile communications technology to deliver an extremely valuable service to Ford customers, free-of charge for the lifetime of their vehicle."
When an airbag is activated or the vehicle's emergency fuel pump is shut off, the vehicle will initiate an emergency call by using an introductory message through the occupant's Bluetooth connected mobile phone.
The on-board GPS unit, map and mobile network information will identify the accident location, saving the most crucial moments in emergency procedures.
Ford worked with the European Emergency Number Association (EENA) when developing the Emergency Assistance feature.
"We are pleased that Ford has consulted with the EENA and European emergency call centres in the development of the Emergency Assistance feature," said Gary Machado, EENA executive director.
"We are confident that solutions enabling vehicles to be connected to emergency call centres will contribute to saving lives in Europe."
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