Emergency services could cut their call times dramatically if the latest technology from Ford Motor Group gets adopted by the industry.

In partnership with Vodafone, Ford have developed a system called ‘eCall Plus’ which would intelligently warn drivers of accidents ahead via the car’s in-car infotainment screen, at the same time as advising the driver as to how best make room for approaching emergency service vehicles such as fire engines, ambulances and police cars.

While standard ‘eCall’ is already installed in the latest Ford vehicles, including the Focus, the more advanced technology will have a tool called ‘Emergency Vehicle Warning’ which will allow drivers to gain information as to the exact location of emergency vehicles.

Current ‘eCall’ technology allows drivers call emergency services via their infotainment screen. The project is part of ‘KoMod’ (Kooperative Mobilität im digitalen Testfeld Düsseldorf), a 15 million euro scheme which is developing the connected car technologies of the future.

Gunnar Herrmann, Ford of Germany chief executive, said: “Connected and automated driving are key technologies of the future. Ford has a long history of developing and testing vehicle-to-traffic infrastructure and vehicle-to-vehicle communications that can contribute to greater road safety and efficiency across the world.

“Together with Vodafone and in co-operation with the other companies involved, we will gain decisive insights on the Düsseldorf testing grounds to further advance the networking of vehicles.”

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