| Ford to Add SUV Anti-Rollover Measures
Ford Says It Will Add Anti-Rollover Technology
in Explorer, Other SUVS Beginning in 2005 Model Year
DEARBORN, Mich.
(AP) -- Ford Motor Co. says it will add anti-rollover technology
to its Ford Explorer and three other sport utility vehicle for the
2005 model year. The Explorer has been the target of hundreds of
lawsuits that say it is prone to roll over.
Ford said Thursday
that it is putting a new stability system in all versions of the
2005 Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer, Lincoln Aviator and Lincoln
Navigator. It will be optional on the 2005 Ford Expedition.
Called roll
stability control, the system reacts automatically when a vehicle
begins to tilt. It seeks to right the vehicle by automatically slowing
the engine and gently activating the brakes.
Ford, based
in Dearborn, Mich., has sold more than 5 million Explorers since
the vehicle was introduced in 1990.
In 2000, millions
of Bridgestone/Firestone tires on Ford Explorers were recalled because
federal safety officials found they were prone to losing their tread,
causing rollovers. At least 271 U.S. traffic deaths have been linked
to the failed tires.
Ford Motor Co.,
http://www.ford.com
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