
Ford Motor Co. is introducing a feature on many 2010 models that will allow
parents to control how fast their teenagers can drive the new Fords.
Called MyKey, the feature allows parents to program the ignition key so the car
will not go faster than 80 mph, cut off the stereo's volume at just 44% of its
max output, and set a persistent chime to go off if the seatbelts aren't being
used (the stereo also gets muted until everyone buckles up). As if that wasn't
enough, it'll also provide a low-fuel warning at 75 miles to empty, start
issuing a surely annoying reminder as the driver inches up past the 45 mph mark,
and make it impossible to disable some of the Focus' usual safety measures like
Park Aid and Cross Traffic Alert. This technology will likely make the Ford
Focus Coupe a popular choice for both parents and teens, the latter of which may
be appeased by the SNYC system that's also available in these cars.