Ford's prototype self-parking car works with push button technology.
Drivers may soon be able to use a remote control to park their Ford vehicle and drive it out of the parking space.
The technology has been developed by Ford’s Research and Advanced Engineering division. A Ford Focus has been equipped with the prototype Fully Assisted Parking Aid system allowing the driver to operate the steering, gear selection and forward and reverse motion from outside the vehicle.
To avoid accidents the Focus has been equipped with Obstacle Avoidance technology which warns if there are slow-moving objects, stationary obstacles or pedestrians in the lane ahead. The system will automatically steer and brake to avoid collision if the driver doesn't do it first.
With cars often wider than the spaces in long-established car parks, the new technology should end the problem of having to squeeze in and out of a car when it's parked in a tight space.
Ford are not the first to launch this type of technology. Earlier this year, Audi announced innovation that could park vehicles remotely and even electronically operate car park barriers.