Hands-Free Liftgate for the New C-Max

How many of you dreamed at one point of playing Master Yoda with your car, but the limitations in technology prevented you from doing so? Well, no more wishful thinking, as the world's first hands-free liftgate has arrived, courtesy of Ford.

The American manufacturer announced today that the introduction of such a system came together with the brand new C-Max model for the US, presented today. Operated with the help of the Intelligent Access with push-button start system and two sensors located in the rear bumper, the liftgate can be operated with a simple wave of the foot, while the key is the owner's pocket, under the bumper.

“We recognize that the C-MAX customer usually has his or her hands full. Whether carrying packages while holding a young child’s hand or carrying bags full of groceries, the hands-free liftgate will make their lives a whole lot easier,” said Wendy King, C-MAX brand manager.

The liftgate is safe from unwanted activation, says Ford, explaining that a dog who runs under the bumper, for instance, doesn't possess the key to activate it (movement of the leg and detection of the key need to be performed at the same time for the system to work.

“The arrival of the hands-free liftgate on the new C-MAX is just the beginning for this technology,” added Kuzak. “Customers soon will see this same technology roll out across our broader portfolio of vehicles.”

For the full details of the new C-Max, as well as for additional photos of the model, follow this link.