FORD is to fit tyre pressure sensors on all its sport utility vehicles, starting later this year with 2002 model year Explorers. The initiative, announced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, will eventually see sensors fitted to 4x4 models sold in the UK and across Europe by Ford and its sister companies.

Initially optional, the sensors will be standard in all its SUVs by 2005. The sensor, which will activate an in-car warning message or light and an audible tone in the car, will alert drivers if a tyre becomes under-inflated and will also warn drivers if a tyre is significantly over-inflated.

The moves follows the August last year recall of 14.4 million Bridgestone/Firestone tyres, most of which were sold as original equipment on Explorer models in the United States of America.