DETROIT — So you think junior is a little too lead-footed when he drives the family car? Starting next year, Ford Motor Co. will give you the power to do something about it.
An undated photo provided by Ford Motor Co., of a MyKey. Starting next year, Ford Motor Co. will roll out a new feature, controlled by a computer chip in the key, that allows parents to limit the car's speeds to 80 mph and set a maximum volume for the audio system on some 2010 models. (AP Photo/Ford Motor Co.)
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The company will roll out a new feature on many 2010 models that can limit teen drivers to 80 mph, using a computer chip in the key.
Parents also have the option of programming the teen’s key to limit the audio system’s volume and to sound continuous alerts if the driver doesn’t wear a seat belt.
"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,” said Jim Buczkowski, Ford’s director of electronic and electrical systems engineering.
The feature, called MyKey, will be standard on an unspecified number of Ford models when the 2010 cars and trucks come out in late summer 2009. The feature will spread to the entire Ford, Lincoln and Mercury lineup as models are updated, spokesman Wes Sherwood said.
Ford said its market research shows 75 percent of parents like the speed and audio limits.
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Limit????? of 80 MPH!!! That's not a limit, that's above all the speed limits in our states. A limit would be more like can't go above 65 MPH, which is pretty much the speed limit on our freeways these days. And that limit would save gas mileage too. If the key is going to be a governor, then the "limit" should be able to be set lower than 80 MPH. I do agree that the audio should be limited to reduce distractions and allow new drivers to pay better attention to emergency vehicles.
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Leave a comment. Log in below or sign up (it's free).Editor's note: It is not our intent to offer comments on crime or fatality stories.