Ford has employed a Local Electron Atom Probe (LEAP) device, only four of which exists in North America allowing their scientists to analyze and engineer materials in the nanotechnology arena. Their goal is to discover and design better materials that are lighter yet stronger than current technologies which would greatly increase the safety of vehicles on the roads. Nano-technology is a field of study by which molecular structures of individual atoms are studied and how they interact with one another is understood.
That, along with the introduction of some of the latest design and materials such as carbon-fiber and aluminum alloys they have made driving safe and more enjoyable in terms of road driving comfort. These technologies are some of the best to come into the automotive industry since the seatbelt was invented. Some road legal sports cars and roadsters already use carbon fiber for their main frames and other components and some even have the combined with exotic metals which complement each other for best performance. Magneto-resistive shock absorbers that adapt to road conditions and smart suspension systems that raise or lower the vehicle as needed allow better and safer driving. Magneto-resistive compounds are metallic powder suspended uniformly in a solution that changes its properties with the application of an electric current. Add more current and it stiffens, remove it and it softens allowing for smooth driving without the head banging on those unseen bumps. Adaptive lighting is also slowly coming into use, involves a system of gyro’s, sensors and mirrors that allows the light from the headlights to be focused where it is needed(no more glare when you go up on humps) greatly improving visibility on those lightless roads.