Visteon Driver Awareness Technology Delivers Function and Style

Drivers want technology that helps make them better behind the wheel

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6 -- A recent RDA Group consumer study indicates that driver attitudes are changing when it comes to applying technology to help them be better drivers. Drivers want information to make them better behind the wheel -- but with style in mind. The study indicates customizable, stylish dials and gauges and more information about what's going on around the vehicle are growing priorities. Visteon Corporation leverages a variety of consumer information with engineering expertise to understand changing consumer priorities, and to develop and deliver technology for the automotive industry.

"One step in our concept development process is to understand consumer wants and needs and leverage our systems engineering expertise to develop the most advantageous technology possible," said Ron Andrade, Visteon advanced product line director. "Unique instrument clusters and driver assistance technologies are examples of our process."

Visteon will demonstrate unique driver awareness systems, as well as audio, infotainment and lighting technology, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Jan. 6-9. Visteon's original equipment products are on display in the North Plaza, booth #1, and its aftermarket products are shown in the North Hall, booth #5811.

Considering the automakers' need to differentiate their vehicles, Visteon has developed a wide range of products that recognize the need for blending style with the delivery of information that will help make drivers better drivers.

Instrument Clusters/Combimeters - These are the primary sources of information for the driver in terms of vehicle operation. The challenge is to deliver this information only when needed and to provide unique styling features that are customizable. To meet the challenge, Visteon offers a wide array of technologies that deliver the desired look and feel in support of a brand image with the fit, finish and information that meets the needs of the consumer. The Hi-Density Applique cluster offers multi-color designs and is customized with the vehicle's interior color, brand or theme based on a unique digital process. Another unique instrument cluster is the virtual 3-D Applique cluster that provides a new non-traditional (customizable) virtual 3-D illuminated cluster. This cluster can be backlit with electroluminescence or light emitting diode (LED) technology, offering a floating gauge and pointer effect. The colorwash cluster is both back and front lit creating a new appearance based on multi-color capability.

Side object and back-up camera - These driver awareness technologies meet the needs shared in a recent study of driver awareness features. About 70 percent of those participating in the study identified driver awareness features such as side object awareness, lane departure warning technology and back-up aids as highly desirable features. Visteon's Back-up camera is a driver aid that recognizes the nuisance factor that exists with some driver awareness technologies. The back-up camera gives drivers the ability to see exactly what's behind the vehicle when it's put in reverse. The system is flexible enough to interface with a variety of existing displays, such as the navigation display, and can respond to driver demand for increased rear viewing area. The side object awareness system monitors the vehicle's surroundings and alerts drivers of objects on either side of the vehicle. This system eliminates "nuisance" alerts and displays an icon in the corresponding side mirror when a vehicle is in the programmable alert zone. The alert zone is programmable to an operating range of up to six meters.

Another technology focused on helping drivers be better drivers is MACH(R) Voice Link Radio. This product integrates Bluetooth(R) wireless connectivity into the radio to simplify assembly for the automaker while providing technology to keep the driver's eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

MACH(R) Voice Link Radio - Visteon was first in the industry to deliver hands-free voice technology for the automotive environment. This technology has continued to gain acceptance and today the system accommodates the consumer's desire for access to portable personal devices like cell phones while in the vehicle. Visteon responded with one of the first Bluetooth(R)- enabled systems. Today, Visteon has integrated this hands-free, Bluetooth- enabled technology with the radio to reduce complexity of the system for automakers and consumers.

Visteon continues to advance automotive technology designed to help give drivers the information and access they desire by applying automotive engineering expertise and by understanding the marketplace.