Ford expands use of inflatable rear seatbelt

Ford Motor Co. is expanding the availability of inflatable rear seatbelts to the Ford Flex wagon and some Lincoln vehicles, starting next summer.

The safety technology was first introduced on the redesigned Ford Explorer earlier this year as a $195 option.

The redesigned Explorer and the Flex share the same basic vehicle platform, or architecture. The same platform is used to underpin the Ford Taurus.

Ford did not name which Lincoln vehicles will get the belt technology. But the architecture used for the Explorer, the Flex and the Taurus is also used for the Lincoln MKT wagon and the MKS sedan, making them likely candidates.

"Ford's rear inflatable-seatbelt technology will enhance safety for rear-seat passengers of all ages, especially for young children who are more vulnerable in crashes," said Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president of sustainability, environment and safety engineering.

By Julie Alvin