The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is reportedly launching an investigation into Ford Motor Co's (NYSE:F) hands-free driving technology BlueCruise technology following two fatal crashes involving Ford Mustang Mach-E SUVs.
The NHTSA's probe into approximately 130,000 Ford Mustang Mach-E 2021-2024 model vehicles is the initial step to assess potential safety risks, according to a report from Reuters.
Also Read: Ford Rides On The Strength Of Pro, Says Analyst
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is separately investigating two Mach-E crashes, including one in San Antonio, Texas, on February 24, resulting in a fatality, the report added.
NHTSA's preliminary findings confirm BlueCruise activation just before the Philadelphia collision on March 3.
Also See: Auto Watchdog Intensifies Probe Into Tesla's Autopilot Recall As Safety Concerns Mount
Ford's BlueCruise offers advanced hands-free driving on 97% of U.S. and Canadian highways, integrating driver monitoring systems for attentiveness.
The NHTSA inquiry extends to Mach-E vehicles equipped with Co-Pilot360 Active 2.0, including BlueCruise, introduced in 2021.
NHTSA will assess the system's performance in dynamic driving tasks and driver monitoring, the report further noted.
Ford stock gained more than 4% in the last 12 months. Investors can find exposure to the stock via Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund ETF (NYSE:VTI) and Invesco S&P Ultra Dividend Revenue ETF (NYSE:RDIV).
Also Read: Ford Q1 Earnings Highlights: Automaker Beats Street Estimates, Guidance Improves, EV Revenue Falls 84%
Price Action: F shares are trading lower by 1.64% at $12.58 at the last check Monday.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo via Shutterstock