2012 Ford Focus gets force-adjustable airbags

The redesigned 2012 Ford Focus will use front and side airbags designed to tailor the deployment force to the seat occupant.

Ford expects that the new airbags will reduce the chances of people being injured by a bag deployment. The 2012 Focus, which goes on sale next spring, will be the first Ford vehicle to use the new airbags.

Ford is using three techniques in its new airbags:

-- The driver front airbag contains a tether that limits the expansion of the lower part of the airbag. This will reduce the deployment force on the driver's chest and ribs.

-- The passenger front airbag uses data from the seat position and weight sensors to determine whether to open an extra pressure vent in the airbag. The extra vents reduce deployment pressures for smaller occupants.

-- The side-impact airbags have vents toward the top. The body of a smaller seat occupant will leave the vents uncovered and reduce airbag pressure. A larger-bodied occupant covers the vents, enabling the bag to keep higher pressure.

Ford says it will expand the use of the airbag technologies to other cars in its lineup.

By Byron Trimble