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There are few parents who don’t worry about their teenagers getting into trouble while driving.
But Ford Australia may have the answer in an innovative 'smart' ignition key that can be programmed to limit a car's top speed, stereo volume and encourage teenage drivers and passengers to buckle up.
The MyKey system effectively prevents hooning in the family sedan.
Company spokesperson, Sinead McAlary, says the system, which is being rolled out on most Ford cars across North America, could eventually be adopted here.
"But it is not something we're looking at in the short term," she said.
The technology allows mums and dads to program a key that limits their car's top speed to 128km/h and the stereo to less than half the maximum volume.
The system will also provide a low-fuel warning alarm and leaves all the car's safety features, like traction control, switched on while being driven by a teenager.
McAlary recognises the technology has great potential here.
"We are studying it, but it’s early days," she says.
After North America, Ford in Europe is also looking to introduce the MyKey system.
McAlary said there was a chance it could come here in the longer term via Europe, where Ford Australia sources its Fiesta and some Focus models.
"A lot of it has to do with calibration of the technology," she said.
Once Europe adopts it, MyKey could more easily be adapted locally.
General Motors has a similar system in its high-powered Corvette sportscar, called a valet key, which reduces the car's performance.
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