Hella Adds Lane-Change Warning to Audi Q7

The Audi Q7

PLYMOUTH, Mich., July 30, 2007 -- The upscale 2007 Audi Q7 is the first vehicle sold in North America to offer a new radar-based lane-change warning system developed by Hella.

The lane-change assistant system, known as the Audi Side Assist, determines objects in the vehicle's blind spot. The system also recognizes objects not visible in the rear-view mirror.

When a vehicle enters the Audi Q7 SUV's range of vision, a subtle, yellow vertical light strip illuminates on the corresponding side-view mirror. In addition, when the driver activates a turn signal, to indicate an intention to change lanes and a vehicle is in a neighboring lane, the driver will receive a warning in the side mirror. The vehicle's vertical light strip will then flash.

The lane-change assistant has two 24 GHz radar sensors integrated into the vehicle's bumper with a range of 164 feet. The system functions regardless of the weather conditions.

"If vehicles are unseen when changing lanes, this can have fatal consequences," said Dr. Martin Fischer, president of Hella Electronics Corporation. "The lane-change assistant developed by Hella and Audi reduces that risk considerably."

The lane-change assistant supports the driver by constantly monitoring neighboring lanes when the vehicle reaches 35 miles per hour.

Hella, a global supplier, develops and manufactures components and systems for lighting and electronics for the automotive industry, including driver- assistance systems enhancing safety and comfort. In addition, its joint- venture companies produce complete vehicle modules, air-conditioning systems and vehicle-electric systems. Hella is also one of the world's largest companies selling automotive aftermarket parts and accessories, with its own sales companies and partners in more than 100 countries. Annual consolidated sales for the Hella Group total $4.4 billion.

Copyright © 1996-2009 The Auto Channel. Contact Information, Credits, and Terms of Use. These following titles and media identification are Trademarks owned by Gordon Communictions and have been in continuous use since 1987 : The Auto Channel, Auto Channel and TACH all have been in continuous use world wide since 1987, in Print, TV, Radio, Home Video, Newsletters, On-line, and other interactive media; all rights are reserved and infringement will be acted upon with force.

Privacy Statement | Size Does Matter | Media Kit | RSS feeds | Affiliates

Send your questions, comments, and suggestions to Editor-in-Chief@theautochannel.com.

Submit press releases or news stories to submit@theautochannel.com.
Place copy in body of email, NO attachments please.

To report errors and other problems with this page, please use this form.

Link to this page: http://www.theautochannel.com/

TheAutoChannel is represented by Gorilla Nation. Please contact Gorilla Nation for ad rates, packages and general advertising information.