Siemens VDO Automotive Has Eyes in the Blind Spot - Company Debuts Vehicle Blind Spot Detection Technology

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., March 9 -- Even with rearview and side-view mirrors, most drivers still struggle with blind spots in traffic. Siemens VDO Automotive's new Blind Spot Detection System (BSDS) can help drivers keep their eyes on the road, while warning them when a vehicle is approaching and passing through blind spots.

"The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates nearly 830,000 vehicles will be damaged or destroyed this year as a result of blind- spot-related 'lane-changing accidents,'" said Siemens VDO Automotive Advanced Product Engineering Manager Maria Kremer. "Our system is designed to alert the driver before a potential incident may occur."

BSDS uses radar sensors invisibly mounted to the back of the rear wheels and the side exterior of the vehicle, which detect objects approaching the driver's blind spot area. Each sensor uses two overlapping radar beams to cover the large observation zone and reliably detect objects traveling at high speeds. In addition, BSDS is efficiently designed only to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes.

"We do not want to give a warning if a vehicle is coming in two lanes or three lanes away," said Kremer. "At that point, a driver can safely make a lane change without hitting another vehicle."

When an obstruction is detected, BSDS alerts the driver to a potential collision with a light on the side-view mirror.

"Our system distinguishes between vehicles and other objects such as street signs and trees," said Kremer. "In order to avoid driver distraction, the alert light only illuminates when the object in question is a vehicle."

Once the object has passed through the driver's blind spot, the warning light goes off.

Central to BSDS is flexible packaging allowing it to be easily integrated into any vehicle design. The technology is expected to be in production for the 2007 model year.

Driver safety innovation is constantly improving. Siemens VDO Automotive plans to stay ahead of the curve with detection technology using both radar and optical sensors to help improve driver confidence and collision avoidance.

Siemens VDO Automotive AG is one of the world's leading suppliers of electronics, electrical and mechatronic products to the automotive industry. As a development partner of the automotive industry, the company manufactures products for powertrain, engine control electronics and fuel injectors which improve engine performance and reduce emissions. Other core products include driver information and car communications systems with instrumentation, audio and navigation systems, telematics and multimedia applications, including complete cockpits, providing increased comfort and convenience.

Siemens VDO Automotive AG offers products for chassis and car body, such as airbag, ABS and access control systems which contribute to increased vehicle safety and security. The company's Service & Special Solutions Division markets products for consumer and commercial vehicles, with a focus on fleet management, audio and navigation systems.

In fiscal year 2002/03, Siemens VDO Automotive AG generated sales of $9.6 billion (euro 8.4 billion). North American sales represent 19% percent of total sales, at more than $1.8 billion (euro 1.6 billion). Siemens VDO Automotive AG is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Siemens AG , headquartered in Munich.