Ford introduces remote start feature and heated steering wheel
By Andrew C., 30 Aug, 2010. 0 Comments
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While Ford may have taken a long time to catch up with the other Detroit 3 members of offering remote start as a factory-installed option, it makes sure that its offer is the most impressive of the three. For a start, a heated steering wheel can be part of the package on Lincoln models. Those in cold climates aren´t the only people to benefit from the remote start system. If the device is paired with an automatic climate control, the vehicle can sense temperatures and can automatically adjust to offer a comfortable entry.
On cold days for instance, the passenger or driver will enter the vehicle and will be presented with heated seats as well as well-adjusted defrost and temperature levels. In warmer climates, the car's air-conditioning will be adjusted and seats will be cooled. Environmental groups are concerned that idling vehicles emit larger amounts of harmful gasses when cold. To address this problem, Ford engineers adjusted to have the catalytic converter heat faster than in normal warm up conditions. John Shanahan, manager, Ford powertrain feature calibration, said that if the catalyst has already been warmed up, it will convert up to 99 percent of the engine-out emissions into less harmful gases. The factory installed remote start option will be available across the range on 2011 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles. The 2011 Lincoln models will feature heated steering wheels.
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