DEARBORN, Mich. -

Ford isn’t waiting until 2014 to include a rear-mounted camera system on all models as proposed recently by leaders of the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The automaker recently said its Rear View Camera System will be available on nearly all Ford and Lincoln models by the end of next year.

Ford explained its system uses an exterior camera embedded in the rear of the vehicle that can send images to a video display in the rearview mirror or the navigation system screen. The images are meant to help enhance visibility directly behind the vehicle when the driver is in reverse. The rearview mirror system can allow owners a choice in systems.

The company went on to note its Rear View Camera System image is overlaid with lines that mark the width of the vehicle and are shown either on a rear-view mirror display or navigation system screen. Ford contends the camera’s low light capability, combined with the intensity of the vehicle’s reverse lamps, can help illuminate the image even in dark parking areas.

Ford’s system is set to be offered on most of its full-size pickups, vans and crossovers — including the new 2011 Ford Explorer. Officials think an added benefit should be the assistance the system can give truck owners to align and hitch trailers.

“Ford is making new innovations such as the Rear View Camera System available to a wide range of customers in most of our vehicles to help them see better when reversing,” said Jim Buczkowski, director of electrical and electronics systems engineering at Ford. 

“Our research shows that visibility is one of the biggest customer concerns today, which is why we are the only company to offer a Rear View Camera System, Blind Spot Mirrors and the radar-based Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic system,” Buczkowski continued. “We believe Ford’s Rear View Camera System is easiest to use because there are lines to mark the vehicle’s size for easier parking in tight spots."

Doug Scott, Ford’s pickup, SUV and commercial vehicle marketing manager, elaborated about what the automaker’s plan means for that lineup segment.

“The tendency with trucks is just to talk about the numbers — who has the most towing or the most payload,” Scott noted.

“We lead in both of those areas, but equally important is that we’re making it easier to use that best-in-class capability,” he went on to say. “The Rear View Camera System makes hooking up to a trailer so much easier than it’s ever been before, so trucks and SUVs are the ideal vehicles for this feature.”