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DEARBORN, MI – Ford Motor Co. says its electric-power steering technology will serve as an enabler for future high-tech offerings.

EPS replaces the hydraulic pump and power-steering reservoir found on traditional steering systems with an electric motor mounted on the steering column and electronic-control module that includes “smart” software coupled with a torque sensor, says Ali Jammoul, Ford’s chief engineer for chassis engineering and steering systems.

“EPS provides just the right level of power assist, giving the customer excellent steering feel and crisp steering response,” Jammoul tells Ward’s at a recent event here.

Ford considers EPS a “green” technology, as it improves fuel economy 3%-5% vs. a traditional steering system, while reducing emissions up to 3.5%.

It also reduces a vehicle’s cost of ownership, Jammoul says, noting there is less maintenance involved, while the lack of power steering fluid means leaks are a thing of the past.

Ford says the software-based technology can be adapted to fit the driving characteristics of a particular vehicle, whether it is a luxury sedan or compact cross/utility vehicle.

“You can change the software to tune in different steering curves,” Jammoul says.