This is a published application for a patent. It has not been granted.
The success rate for patent applications is surprisingly low.
This will likely never be granted, or granted after many limitations* have been added by Ford.
Last, just because Ford is trying to patent something does not mean they will ever actually implement that IRL.
* "Limitation" has a specific meaning in patent law.
And every company that even thinks like this should be publicly lambasted, raked over the coals, and shunned!
However by discussing how the patent may not be approved, in the same post where you say ford may not use it, you give the impression you think there is a moral or ethical difference for Ford between the patent being approved or not.
There isn't.
> Yeah, you read the headline right. Ford has patented a system...
The fact is that it is not protected by a patent. That said, the fact that they are _trying_ to and investing in their attempts is indeed worth attention, as it indicates they think it's a good idea. Just without the sloppy reporting.