Press Releases and News Articles

All contents copyright ©, the 'Drive and Stay Alive' website, 2003, unless specified otherwise. All rights reserved.

IMPORTANT: click here to read the DISCLAIMER

Ford Use Special Clothing to Help in Design of New Minivans

October 31, 2003

The all-new 2004 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans are unlike most minivans available today. Loaded with driver and passenger conveniences, the Freestar and the Monterey's attention to detail help consumers with everyday life.

Ford ergonomic engineers went to extraordinary lengths to understand the vehicle needs of some customers. In an effort to experience the realistic physical and emotional effects of both pregnancy and aging, Ford engineers used a specially designed 30 pound pregnancy simulator suit called "The Empathy Belly" and a specially designed "Third-Age Suit" to understand unique driving situations.

The Empathy Belly is a multi-component, weighted garment that allows Ford engineers to gain a realistic understanding of the demands imposed by being pregnant. It contains a rib belt that constricts lungs, two seven-pound lead weights that are inserted into the belly representing fetal limbs, and a six-pound pouch that attaches on the underside of the belly simulating the fetal head which applies pressure on the bladder. A suspended weight inside the belly mimics mild fetal kicking and the pregnant belly contains approximately 14-ounces of water. The Empathy Belly does not have any mechanical, electrical or electronic components.

The Third-Age Suit, which appears to be a cross between a bee-catcher's protective gear and a high-tech astronaut suit, is made up of materials that add bulk and restrict movement in key areas of the body such as the knees, elbows, stomach and back. Together with gloves that reduce the sense of touch and goggles that simulate cataracts, the Third Age Suit gives engineers and designers a feel for the needs of an older generation as they design new vehicles.