Satnav Breadcrumbs Tech Ensures Drivers Who Venture Off Road Can Easily Find Their Way Back Again

Breadcrumbs might not have been the best way for Hansel and Gretel to retrace their steps (spoiler alert: stones work much better). But they are perfect for enabling drivers to find their way back after venturing off-road.

When travelling cross-country – particularly in the desert where dunes can obscure your view – landmarks and wheel tracks can be difficult to distinguish. It can also be difficult to tell which wheel track marks are yours and which ones will lead you to or away from your destination.

But help is at hand. All Ford trucks fitted with SYNC 3 navigation drop a virtual pin every second so that drivers can more easily return to their starting point.

“Whether it’s for work or for sheer adventure, Ford pickups love being let loose off‑road,” said Adriaan Coetzee, Director Product and Brand Marketing for Ford Direct Markets. “Breadcrumb navigation is a simple but effective way to help drivers know exactly how to retrace their route no matter where they are.”

The system is fitted to all Ford Rangers and F-150s equipped with SYNC 3 and is another example of the way in which Ford helps to tailor its vehicles for local conditions and use. Drivers can tackle offroad routes now without worrying about getting lost.

With a 3.2-litre turbodiesel engine and electronic, switch-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive system, the Ranger Wildtrak is primed for adventure. Its impressive approach, departure and breakover angles give it astonishing off-road capability, while the well-appointing interior will keep everyone comfortable while on and off-road.

The Ranger was recently named International Pick-Up of the Year for 2020 in Europe. Jurors representing 18 different countries praised the Ranger’s enhanced performance, fuel efficiency, advanced connectivity and driver assistance technologies which are designed to boost productivity for businesses.

The F-150 and the legendary F-150 Raptor are also preset for off-road challenges. With even more space, a choice of three cab styles, three cargo box lengths and the option of 3.5-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, or 5.0-litre V8 power, the F-150 is equipped for action. Its unrivalled levels of passive and active safety, capability and versatility, continue to underscore its reputation as America’s best-selling truck.