[RahulNagaraj]

The Ford Transit van now comes with a unique steering wheel feature, allowing drivers to eat & work on their computers while sitting in the driver's seat.

The steering wheel on the Ford Transit folds up to offer space for drivers to rest items when not driving. The fold-up steering wheel also comes with a specially designed tray, which fits perfectly on its rims. Drivers of the Ford Transit can use this fold-up feature with the tray to rest their lunch or laptops while on the job.



Apart from the Transit, the F-150 also offers a similar unique solution wherein the pickup truck's gear-shifter folds away to give space to a lid on the centre console, which can be opened up to create a flat surface.

Source: Road&Track

Link to Team-BHP news

[thebfg]

While this is quite neat, are there no safety implications of a moving steering wheel rim? In case of high impact, I do not foresee it staying locked in place. If that happens, it might hit the driver's chest or face.

[GutsyGibbon]

Originally Posted by thebfg

While this is quite neat, are there no safety implications of a moving steering wheel rim? In case of high impact, I do not foresee it staying locked in place. If that happens, it might hit the driver's chest or face.

We have had tilt steering wheels for many years. This is another level of tilt. It could operate off of the same lever. Sensors can prevent driving in this setting of steering, to make sure there is no unsafe driving in this setting.

Ford takes requirements of work trucks/vans very seriously. We often see tradesmen lean over and use the center console as their work desk. This would be very useful for them to sit and complete any paperwork.

[Kurrant]

Originally Posted by thebfg

While this is quite neat, are there no safety implications of a moving steering wheel rim? In case of high impact, I do not foresee it staying locked in place. If that happens, it might hit the driver's chest or face.

We have had seats that tilt/fold etc from I don't know since when. How much of a safety hazard have they been? Why do we think that if as laymen this thought crosses our mind, that it would have not the very competent engineers designing such systems in the first place?

[thebfg]

Originally Posted by Kurrant

We have had seats that tilt/fold etc from I don't know since when. How much of a safety hazard have they been? Why do we think that if as laymen this thought crosses our mind, that it would have not the very competent engineers designing such systems in the first place?

I understand that this might have been one of the first considerations of engineers. The Transit has a good track record in the NCAP tests indicating that safety certainly is a priority for Ford vans. However, it is not hard to imagine that whatever mechanism is used to keep the steering rim locked in place might "unlock" in a high energy collision. Should be interesting to find out how they've overcome this difficulty and to what degree.

[Rodie09]

Very nice innovation indeed specially for the drivers spending most of their day inside the cabin. This can so well serve as small tray to have their lunch/meals while parked and resting.

Quite thoughtful and of real utility, much better than the useless illuminated logo thing.

[norhog]

This folding steering can be vary useful in INDIAN context as there are many road side eateries that serve food inside cars.
Mumbai..Bade Mia, Hajiali Juce center to name a few.

Not sure of other cities.

In my opinion, it is good to have feature as automobile is used for work and leisure.