2 Lincoln models to feature automatic parallel parking

DETROIT (Bloomberg) — Ford Motor Co. will for the first time give the option of automatic parallel parking on Lincoln luxury vehicles to try to bolster sales of the brands two newest models.

Ford will offer the parking system on its 2010 Lincoln MKS sedan and MKT crossover, which combines sedan and sport utility vehicle traits, the automaker, based in Dearborn, Mich., said Tuesday. Toyota Motor Corp.'s Lexus luxury brand offers a similar option.

The automaker launches the features in a year when U.S. sales through November fell 16 percent, with Lincoln dropping 19 percent. Ford will debut the MKT at the North American International Auto Show in January.

The parking system, known as Active Park Assist, uses sensors on the front and rear of the vehicle to guide the car into a space with the push of a button, without the driver touching the wheel.