Hella Driver Assistance Systems Now on Audi, Chrysler LLC Vehicles
PLYMOUTH, Mich., Nov. 8, 2007 -- Driver assistance systems from Hella KGaA Hueck & Co., a global tier-one supplier of automotive lighting and electronic equipment, are now available on three North American vehicles.
Hella's numerous active driver assistance systems are based on camera and ultrasonic technology, as well as infrared LIDAR-based (LIght Detection and Ranging) and 24 GHz radar.
The three optional driver assistance systems now available in North America, adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane-change assistant and rear-view camera, are featured on the Chrysler 300, Audi Q7 and Jeep(R) Commander, respectively. The rear camera is also available on seven other Chrysler, Jeep(R) and Dodge vehicles.
The Chrysler 300 offers ACC technology. Using a LIDAR-based system, ACC uses infrared signals to detect a vehicle in your path. It allows cruise control to remain engaged in light to moderate traffic conditions without the need for constant adjustments. Hella's ACC offers significant security advantages by helping keep vehicles at a specified distance and also provides drivers a warning by automatically triggering the brakes.
"The aim of Hella research and development is to further increase customer safety by combining sensors and functionalities," said Dr. Martin Fischer, president of Hella Electronics Corporation. "Our objective is to greatly reduce traffic accidents and injuries by providing safety-system devices for the broadest possible range of vehicles."
Audi's Q7 SUV contains Hella's new radar-based lane-change assistant system, also known as the Audi Side Assist. The Audi system determines if objects are in the Q7's blind spot and also recognizes objects not visible in the rear-view mirror. When a vehicle enters the Q7's range of vision, a yellow vertical light strip illuminates on the corresponding side-view mirror. 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 weather conditions.
The Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee, Chrysler Pacifica, Town & Country and Aspen, along with the Dodge Grand Caravan and Durango, feature Hella's rear-view camera. The system consists of a camera with an integrated CMOS image sensor. With an aperture angle of 130 degrees, the area behind the vehicle is visible. When the vehicle engages in reverse, a color image adapted to external light influences is shown on the display for the driver to view. The image helps a driver recognize if objects are in the vehicle's path when backing up.
Other driver assistance systems being developed by Hella include:
-- Adaptive Cut-Off Line - This device adjusts the range of the adaptive
front lighting system (AFS) headlamps to provide optimum visibility,
meaning the beam will reach as far as possible. The headlamp range is
adapted to motor vehicles driving in front or approaching.
-- Alertness Assistant - This camera-based system detects eyelid blinks by
placing a camera in the steering-wheel area facing the driver. If the
eyelid blink becomes slower, the system is noted. If the eye stays
closed for longer than 1.5 seconds during driving, a wake-up beep, or
another suitable warning signal, will sound.
-- Distance Warning -This good-value distance measurement system, on the
basis of a 24 GHz radar sensor, determines the relative speed and the
distance to the vehicle driving in front and informs the driver as soon
as the distance becomes critical. This allows driving and distance
behavior to be influenced, reducing the risk of accidents.
-- Glare-free High Beam - Glare-free high beam technology follows the
premise that the driver travels almost constantly with high beam
switched on. When other drivers see the oncoming vehicle's high beams,
the portions of the high-beam light distribution that could cause
problems are automatically faded out.
-- Lane Departure Warning - With the aid of a front camera, inadvertent
lane departure is detected and the driver is accordingly warned
optically, acoustically or by touch. This helps prevent side
collisions.
-- Marking Light - On the basis of an AFS light distribution, people and
points of danger are specifically illuminated. The driver not only
detects them considerably earlier, but also is consciously aware of
them and can adapt his or her driving behavior accordingly in time.
-- Parking Assistant - The electronic parking assistant allows the driver
to park comfortably and safely in tight parallel parking spaces. When
driving past an open area, an ultrasonic sensor measures the space. If
the space is large enough, the parking procedure can be started. The
driver operates only the accelerator and the brake pedal. The turning
of the steering wheel takes place automatically.
-- Traffic-Sign Recognition - With the aid of a front camera, traffic
signs are detected and identified. If combined with ACC, the driver can
be warned accordingly with the distance-regulation system. The system
helps prevent accidents due to inappropriate speed.
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 sales for the Hella Group total $ 4.8 billion.
Hella is one of the 100 largest industrial companies in Germany. More than 25,000 people are employed in 70 production facilities, production subsidiaries and joint-venture companies. Nearly 3,000 Hella engineers and technicians work in research and development. Customers include all of the world's leading automakers and system manufacturers, as well as the automotive aftermarket.
Additional information is available at www.hella.com.