DEARBORN, Michigan - Ford said it will roll out a new blind-spot mirror this fall as standard equipment on the 2009 Ford Edge. The mirror is designed to improve the driver's visibility.

Ford had originally planned to bring the blind-spot mirror to market next year, but moved up the date in answer to 'customers' demands for better visibility as they change lanes or parallel park,' it said in a statement.

General Motors is also racing to bring a similar mirror to market. Blind-spot mirrors will be a standard feature on some versions of the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse.

Ford said that its blind-spot mirror will be offered on 'several future Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles as standard equipment.'

The new mirror features a small convex 'spotter' mirror that gives the driver a view of the so-called 'blind spot' alongside the vehicle.

Ford said nearly 76 percent of focus group clinic participants said the mirror 'improved their confidence while driving.'