FORD'S hi-tech subsidiary, Visteon, has developed a Vehicle Emergency Messaging System which will come to the market at the start of next year. VEMS combines communication and location technology to link motorists to a call centre and the emergency services, via satellite and mobile phone.

Drivers can simply touch a button, and the system will use its fixed cellular phone to put the caller in hands-free contact with a 24-hour response centre which then locates the exact position of the vehicle using Global Positioning System and mapping software, and contacts roadside assistance organisations or the emergency services, depending on the nature of the problem. In the event of a crash, VEMS automatically alerts the emergency services.

The system can work on any new vehicle, and Visteon is not tied to Ford in terms of the customers it can serve. Other applications include a GSM phone system with a phonebook, a call waiting/hold facility, a missed/received/dialled call feature as well as telematics functions such as traffic information.