Driver assistance

Opel Cars Can See

Rüsselsheim, 2008-06-18 -- Opel introduces a first: A camera that aids drivers in two different ways. The Traffic Sign Recognition function reads speed limit and no-passing signs and displays them on the instrument panel. The Lane Departure Warning alerts drivers when they unintentionally veer out of their lane. Together, these two systems improve driving safety, reduce stress and can even prevent costly speeding tickets.

Opel Eye

Highlights:
* Leading Technology: Two-in-one system available early 2009
* Opel Eye informs drivers about speed limits; warns when they veer out of their lane
* First in Opel Insignia and soon in other models

“Park Assist Vision” independently guides Volkswagen Passat into any parking space

Wolfsburg, 22 April 2008 -- There is something decidedly fantastical about this scene: We observe the approach of a Volkswagen Passat estate, it stops, the driver gets out, slams the door shut and, as he walks away from the car, he aims a remote control back at it. That car now proceeds to reverse park itself into the available space, it then independently cuts the engine and activates the door locks. End of performance.

See It, Hear It, Feel It

DEARBORN, Mich., April 17 – Researchers at Ford’s advanced driving simulator, Virtual Test Track Experiment (VIRTTEX), are devoting much of 2008 to study how active safety technologies in vehicles should alert drivers of potentially dangerous driving incidents.

Highlights:
* Ford researchers commit VIRTTEX advanced driving simulator to study drivers’ responses to various active safety systems and warnings
* Research centers on audible, visual and tactile warnings
* Customer preference drives active technologies such as Ford’s new Cross Traffic Alert with Blind Spot Monitoring
* Collision Mitigation by Braking is expected to be an important safety development in the next five years

Marseille, February 12, 2008 -- Saab XWD brings the car and driver closer together for an intimate driving experience. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, it has been developed by Saab for its 9-3 Aero and Turbo X models, delivering a level of driver control with all-wheel-drive that promises to be ‘best in class’.

2008 Saab 9-3 XWD

Saab XWD is an ‘intelligent’, active system that continuously distributes engine drive torque between the front and rear axles, giving optimum handling, stability and grip in all driving conditions – from fast bends to slower corners, in dry or wet weather.

Speed Traps Worldwide Shown With Online Mapping Tool

PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 12, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Njection.com reaches a landmark of over 50-thousand speed traps worldwide mapped online using the Speed Trap Mashup. Utilizing Microsoft Live Maps, the Speed Trap Mashup allows users to rapidly access speed trap information by country, state, city, zip code, or address, and if any are missing, speed traps can be added anonymously by anyone.

Zooming in on local speed trap provides detailed information such as the type of speed detection used, posted speed limit, rating, and level of enforcement. You can even access the map for real-time local traffic information. The next step is exporting this data to mobile devices with GPS capabilities.

Driving safety: safety systems in the vehicle help to prevent accidents