Ford Brings Hands-Free BlueCruise Tech to the Masses

Rhea-AI Summary

Ford (NYSE:F) is expanding its BlueCruise hands-free, eyes-on highway driving system to Puma, Puma Gen-E, Kuga and Ranger PHEV starting spring 2026, adding to Mustang Mach-E availability.

BlueCruise has more than 1 million equipped vehicles globally and drivers have logged over 888 million km hands-free. The system was the first of its kind approved in Europe in 2023 and is now available across 16 European markets, covering > 135,000 km of designated "Blue Zones." Subscription options and pricing will be announced closer to on-sale date.

Positive

• 1M+ BlueCruise-equipped vehicles on road globally
• 888M km driven hands-free with BlueCruise
• BlueCruise approved across 16 European markets
• Access to > 135,000 km of Blue Zones in Europe
• BlueCruise expanding to five vehicle lines in Europe from spring 2026

Negative

• Subscription options and pricing not yet announced
• BlueCruise requires purchase of the Driver Assistance Pack, limiting standard inclusion
• Hands-free use still requires driver eyes on road, limiting automation claims

Insights

ADAS product strategist

Ford expands BlueCruise to four mass-market models, broadening hands-free highway access across Europe from spring 2026.

Ford is scaling BlueCruise beyond Mustang Mach-E by adding it to Puma, Puma Gen-E, Kuga and Ranger PHEV as an option from spring 2026, which materially increases the addressable customer base for its hands‑free, eyes‑on highway driving system.

Technically, BlueCruise integrates cameras and radars with Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control to manage steering, speed and lane positioning on mapped "Blue Zones." The release cites global installed base milestones (more than 1 million equipped vehicles and > 888 million kilometres driven hands‑free) and availability across 16 European markets, unlocking > 135,000 kilometres of approved highway corridors; these concrete metrics support meaningful product adoption rather than a tentative pilot.

The main dependencies are regulatory scope, local rollout execution, and the commercial terms to be announced. Pricing and subscription details remain pending and will determine uptake; customer experience depends on consistent lane‑marking quality and regional map coverage within the stated Blue Zones. Watch for the announced subscription pricing and the actual on‑sale availability in spring 2026, plus metrics on regional activation rates and any regulatory updates that would expand or limit Blue Zone coverage within months after launch.

• Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving technology launches on Puma, Puma Gen-E, Kuga and Ranger PHEV, expanding access to thousands of new customers
• First system of its kind approved in Europe in 2023 and now the most widely available "hands-off, eyes-on" advanced driver assistance system
• More than 1 million BlueCruise-equipped vehicles on the road globally, and drivers have already driven more than 888 million kilometres hands-free with BlueCruise

COLOGNE, Germany, Nov. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ford today announced expanded availability of BlueCruise,¹ giving thousands more customers access to "hands-off, eyes-on" highway driving.

Following its availability first on the Mustang Mach-E ² in Europe, the advanced driver assistance system is being introduced to a further four models: Puma,³ Puma Gen-E,⁴ Kuga⁵ and Ranger PHEV⁶ from spring 2026.

Globally, Ford and Lincoln owners have driven more than 888 million highway kilometres (552 million miles) using the technology. Expanding its availability across a broad range of Ford vehicles gives even more customers the opportunity to enjoy next-level comfort and convenience on their highway journeys, and reach their destination more refreshed and ready for the day ahead.

BlueCruise was the first system of its kind to receive regulatory approval in Europe in 2023 with the launch in Great Britain. Since then, BlueCruise has been approved for use across 16 European markets,⁷ making it the most widely available system of its kind in Europe. This unlocks access to more than 135,000 kilometres (84,226 miles) of designated highways,⁸ called Blue Zones, allowing customers to take a road trip across multiple countries. 

With this wide geographic availability, as an example, a customer can use BlueCruise across six countries travelling from Stockholm to Rome, covering over 2,000 kilometres (1,500 miles) spending close to 25 hours driving hands-free.

"We're committed to putting cutting-edge technology in the hands of more drivers. With BlueCruise now available on five vehicle lines in Europe, we're helping make hands-free highway driving accessible to a wider array of customers," said Torsten Wey, manager, ADAS features and software, Ford in Europe. "Every vehicle line is unique, and our team of ADAS engineers have been working to expand BlueCruise beyond Mustang Mach-E to ensure a quality hands-free highway driving experience no matter which vehicle a customer chooses."

Hands-Off, Eyes-On Driving

BlueCruise builds on the capabilities of Ford's Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC), ⁹ and helps control the steering, acceleration, braking, lane positioning and safe distances from the vehicle ahead by monitoring the road markings, speed signs and evolving traffic conditions, from highway speeds to stop-and-go traffic.

When BlueCruise is engaged on an approved highway called Blue Zones, it allows the driver to take their hands off the steering wheel if they continue to pay attention to the road ahead – granting an additional level of comfort during long drives.

Before transitioning to hands-free driving, BlueCruise-equipped vehicles confirm that lane markings are visible, that the driver has their eyes on the road and that other conditions are appropriate.

BlueCruise uses a combination of radars and cameras to detect and track the position and speed of other vehicles on the road. A forward-facing camera detects lane markings and speed signs. To help ensure drivers keep their eyes on the road while their hands are off the wheel, a driver-facing camera checks the driver's eye gaze and head position – even when they are wearing sunglasses.

BlueCruise will be available on selected Puma, Puma Gen-E, Kuga and Ranger PHEV new model year vehicles from spring 2026 when equipped with the Driver Assistance Pack. Subscription options and pricing will be announced closer to on-sale date.

To learn more about BlueCruise visit: https://www.ford.co.uk/technology/driving-assistance/ford-bluecruise

¹ Available in selected countries on selected Puma, Puma Gen-E, Kuga, Ranger PHEV and Mustang Mach-E models. Driver's eyes must remain on the road ahead to enable use of BlueCruise hands-free driving. It does not replace safe driving.
² Up to 600 km driving range based on full charge of Mustang Mach-E extended range. Estimated range using Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP).
³ Puma EcoBoost Hybrid CO₂ emissions 122-146 g/km and fuel efficiency 5.4–6.5 l/100 km WLTP.
⁴ Up to 376 km driving range based on full charge of Puma Gen-E. Estimated range using Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP).
⁵ Kuga Hybrid homologated CO₂ emissions 121-146 g/km and homologated fuel efficiency 5.3-6.4 l/100 km WLTP.
   Kuga 1.5-litre EcoBoost Hybrid homologated CO₂ emissions 144-178 g/km and homologated fuel efficiency 6.3-7.8 l/100 km WLTP.
   Kuga Plug-In Hybrid homologated CO₂ emissions, homologated fuel efficiency and electric driving range will be published closer to on sale date.
⁶ Ford Ranger Plug-In Hybrid homologated CO₂ emissions 143-145 g/km WLTP Euro 6e-bis, homologated fuel efficiency 6.2-6.4 l/100 km WLTP Euro 6e-bis and pure electric driving range up to 43 km WLTP. A range of up to 43 km can be achieved with a fully charged battery - depending on the existing series and battery configuration. The actual range may vary due to various factors (e.g. weather conditions, driving style, route profile, vehicle condition, age and condition of the lithium-ion battery).
⁷ BlueCruise is currently available for customers with equipped vehicles in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Great Britain (not available in Northern Ireland), Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden.
⁸ Metrics accurate as of October 2025.
⁹ Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver's attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. It does not replace safe driving. See Owner's Manual for details and limitations.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.  The company's Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty.  Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services.  The company does that through three customer-centered business segments:  Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs.  Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  Ford employs about 171,000 people worldwide.  More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.

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SOURCE Ford

FAQ

When will Ford (F) offer BlueCruise on Puma, Kuga and Ranger PHEV?

BlueCruise will be available on selected Puma, Puma Gen-E, Kuga and Ranger PHEV new model year vehicles from spring 2026 when equipped with the Driver Assistance Pack.

How many vehicles globally have Ford BlueCruise (F) and how much has it been used?

Ford reports more than 1 million BlueCruise-equipped vehicles globally and drivers have driven over 888 million km hands-free.

In which European markets is Ford BlueCruise (F) approved?

BlueCruise is approved in 16 European markets, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden and Great Britain.

What highway coverage does Ford BlueCruise (F) provide in Europe?

BlueCruise unlocks access to over 135,000 km of designated highways called Blue Zones across approved European countries.

Will BlueCruise (F) be a paid feature and is pricing available?

Ford says subscription options and pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date; pricing is not yet disclosed.

Does Ford BlueCruise (F) allow fully autonomous driving?

No; BlueCruise is a hands-off, eyes-on driver assistance system that requires the driver to keep their eyes on the road and meet other conditions before hands-free driving.