New BMW Will Read Speed Limit Signs on the Move

AUTO CENTRAL - August 4, 2008: A new car that reads speed limit signposts and variable speed limit signs and shows the limit in the instrument cluster has been unveiled by BMW.

Speed Limit Display ensures drivers always know what speed zone they are in when driving.

This is especially important on roads which may have several different speed zones, or variable speed limits depending on traffic flows.

“The new BMW Speed Limit Display will significantly reduce the risk of drivers exceeding the speed limit by mistake, especially on roads with multiple speed zones,” says Tom Noble, General Manager Marketing, BMW Group Australia.

A camera fitted near the interior mirror permanently monitors the signs by the road as well as variable speed limit signs and compares this with the data saved in the navigation system.

Even when the speed limit has changed on account of temporary conditions – for example in the case of roadworks – priority is given to the data recorded by the camera.

The speed allowed is presented to the driver in the instrument cluster, or in the head-up display on the car’s windscreen, significantly reducing the risk of breaking the speed limit by mistake.

The BMW Speed Limit Display is an information system only. It does not intervene in the control of the vehicle or its speed in any way. The responsibility for maintaining a correct and safe speed will always rest with the driver.

The long-standing BMW head-up display system allows drivers to view a range of safety related information on the windscreen in their line of sight. This includes navigation directions, cruise control speed settings as well as actual road speed and vehicle system warnings.

The new BMW Speed Limit Display system will add another dimension of safety and information for the driver.

This will be especially useful in areas of Australia where a proliferation of speed zones on a single road, or within a neighbourhood, make it difficult for drivers to know what the prevailing speed limit is.

The Speed Limit Display is able to read painted metal signs as well as dynamic digital displays.

The new BMW 7 Series will be the first production car available with Speed Limit Display when it is introduced in Europe later this year.

The timing of Australian introduction will be confirmed closer to the local arrival of the new BMW 7 Series next year.

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.