Ford To Roll Out In 2010 New Models That Controls Speed Limit

Detroit, MI (AHN) - Ford Motor will unveil next year its 2010 models that have the MyKey feature, which limits speed and audio volume through a computer chip in the key. Another safety feature of the MyKey will be a continuous alert sent out if the driver fails to wear a seat belt.

Jim Buczkowski, Ford director of electronic and electrical systems engineering, said "Our message to parents is, hey, we are providing you some conditions to give your new drivers that may allow you to feel a little more comfortable in giving them the car more often."

The feature, which places a cap of 80 miles per hour, will be available in Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models. While some states have a 70 mph speed limit, Buczkowski said the 10 extra mph was a margin for an unusual situation.

The computer chip also serves as a protection against auto theft as the vehicle will not start unless the chip in the key is recognized. Parents may set off a chime alarm if the teen driving the car goes beyond a pre-set speed limit.

Ford came up with the innovation in response to a survey from parents that 75 percent of them want speed limits, but 67 percent of teens opposed it.

Susan Cischke, Ford group vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering, explained in a statement, "Ford not only offers industry-leading crash protection and crash avoidance systems, we also are committed to developing new technologies such as MyKey that encourage safer driving behavior."