It could be that Ford have allowed a limited number of cars in other makes to be fitted with the technology under licence.

Ford allowed Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo to use it during their ownership - the patent has ended in Europe, but not in USA, so other brands in Europe can use the technology - my VW, now on order, will get one.

The first car I had with a heated screen was a 1988 Caterham 7. Essential since the car has no heater/demister and with the hood up its like a sauna. My current 1992 caterham has one fitted.

We have also had heated screens on 3 Fords and personally I think they are brilliant. The only downside has been on foggy days when the elements can become a little iritating but its still better than a misty/frozen screen.

From memory the only car we bought that had a heated screen offered as an option was a 2005 Mini that the Mrs had. Would have loved to specify it but it only came as part as a mega expensive multi option pack.

If not standard but it was a reasonably priced option i would specify it on a factory order. But very few cars I but are factory orders, too tight for that.