Safety is Hi-Tech Cool at the 2001 New York International Auto Show

    NEW YORK, March 9 Safety has traditionally been viewed by
most as the important, albeit dull, technical, and even boring part of the
auto industry.  That is until safety met the high-tech world of the computer
age.  Suddenly, safety is cool and it's out of this world.  Check out the
latest mind-blowing safety technology at this year's New York International
Automobile Show at the Jacob K. Javits Center from Friday, April 13 to Sunday,
April 22.
    "You just can't believe some of the technological advances that have been
made in the auto industry over the last few years, even the last six months,"
said Auto Show Committee Chair, John LaSorsa.  "Technology is about to make
the most profound difference ever seen in automotive safety.  And it's doing
it in some surprisingly cool ways."

    Here are some of the amazing features available today, or coming soon to a
car near you:

    -- Adaptive Cruise Control: Already a reality on a number of cars.  It's
       primary purpose is to eventually allow vehicles to "wagon train" on
       highways-each car being kept a safe  distance from the car in front,
       via automatic braking.

    -- Steer-by-Wire: The system operates along the same principles as
       aircraft that fly-by-wire.  There are no mechanical connections between
       the steering wheel and the steering gear.  Ultimately active steering
       will allow cars to communicate their position to each other and be able
       to automatically take preventative action to avoid collisions.

    -- Lane Departure Warning Systems: A sensitive camera detects the position
       and direction of a vehicle within a lane.  From the information
       received the system can determine whether an unintended lane departure
       is imminent, and give a warning.

    -- Adjustable Engine Management: Modified engine management software can
       be automatically downloaded via the satellite navigation system.  This
       interaction can be used to remotely diagnosis and correct engine
       malfunction.

    -- Brake-by-Wire: This braking system uses electronic signals from the
       brake pedal to communicate with the "high-pressure" brake reservoir.

    -- Occupant Detection: Ultrasonic occupant detection ensures that if
       passengers are positioned too close to the airbag, it will be
       automatically be disabled, or if the passenger seat is empty, it won't
       deploy.  Eye detection systems which automatically adjust the seat and
       rear mirror for the best view could also soon be available.

    -- Rain Sensor: The rain sensor was originally introduced to provide
       automatically adjustable intermittent wipers.  The development of the
       system could enable the rain sensors to give instructions to the
       brake-by-wire system to continuously apply the brakes during wet
       weather conditions so that the discs stay as dry as possible.

    -- Exterior Cameras: "Blind spots" can be a thing of the past with the
       integration of tiny cameras into doors and mirrors on the sides and
       rear of the car.

    -- Stability Controls: The key to the "intelligent car" is the numerous
       sensors integral to systems such as the ABS, Dynamic Stability Control,
       tire pressure monitor, auto cruise control and even automatic wipers.

    -- Heartbeat Sensor: Registering both human and animal heartbeats when
       the car is parked, the sensor is activated if anyone breaks into the
       car and hides inside it -- or if a child or pet is left inside by
       mistake.

    -- Advanced feature rear-view mirror: Integrated LED lighting, compass
       and temperature displays, tire-pressure warnings, voice recognition or
       TRIP functions are a blink of an eye away.

    "These amazing safety developments are real and on their way to
production.  Last year, we showed the concepts of infrared "eyes," voice
activated controls, power adjustable pedals, and vehicle skid control systems.
All of them are available today on production vehicles," continued
Mr. LaSorsa.
    The 2001 New York International Auto Show opens for a special public Sneak
Preview on Friday, April 13 from 1:00 - 8:00 p.m.  Following the preview, the
Show continues from Saturday, April 14 through Sunday, April 22.  Prior to the
public opening, the Show welcomes media and industry during its annual Press
Preview, April 11 and 12.