'Old-age suit' puts miles on car researchers

Researchers at Ford Motor Co. don suits that make them feel 30 years older to help them design cars for older customers RELATED VIDEO CNN's Ed Garsten reports on a new design tool Windows Media 28K 80K

February 27, 1999
Web posted at: 2:21 p.m. EST (1921 GMT)

DEARBORN, Michigan (CNN) -- Ford Motor Company has come up with a new idea about how to design cars that meet the needs of older drivers.

Researchers at the company don a special suit, designed to make the wearer feel about 30 years older, in order to simulate conditions for older drivers.

"As I get the suit on, I really begin to feel restricted in my movement," says Ford researcher Fred Lupton. "Everything kind of slows down."

Special eye glasses included with the outfit simulate impaired vision caused by cataracts.

The researchers applied what they learned in developing the new Focus compact car. The Focus has strap handles on the doors instead of paddles, more head and leg room, larger knobs and switches, and bigger numbers on the speedometer and radio dial.

Get the complete story from Detroit Bureau Chief Ed Garsten

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