Jaguar Teams with Delphi to Introduce Adaptive Cruise Control

24 September 1998
Jaguar Teams with Delphi to Introduce Adaptive Cruise Control
     COVENTRY, England, Sept. 24 - Jaguar Cars Limited today
announced that it is working with Delphi Automotive Systems to develop
Adaptive Cruise Control.  Based on Delphi Delco Electronics Systems'
Forewarn(R) microwave radar technology, the system measures the distance and
relative speed of preceding vehicles using a sophisticated microwave radar
sensor mounted inside the front of the vehicle.
    When the cruise control is engaged, the ACC system uses throttle control
and limited braking to adjust the speed to maintain a set distance from the
vehicle in front, thereby reducing the need to manually accelerate or
decelerate with changes in traffic flow.  If the lane ahead is empty, the
vehicle cruises at the set speed.
    The ACC system is an improvement over conventional cruise control systems
since it eliminates the need to manually adjust the set speed or disengage the
system to avoid encroaching on slower preceding traffic in the same lane.  The
system keeps the constant time gap to the vehicle that it is following or
cruises at a constant speed if the lane ahead is empty.
    The ACC technology could help ease traffic flow and potentially lead to
reduced congestion.  Computer simulation studies have found positive benefits
for traffic flow over a wide range of vehicle spacing.  ACC is a significant
step towards collision warning and avoidance systems which will offer
additional safety benefits to vehicles.
    Jaguar's ACC work was initiated as part of the pan European PROMETHEUS*
project which was an European vehicle manufacturing research collaboration
which focused on improving traffic flow and safety from 1986-1994.
Subsequently, Jaguar and Ford's Advanced Vehicle Technology (AVT) Division
developed an ACC program.  After a comprehensive evaluation of potential
suppliers for advanced vehicle control systems, Jaguar and Ford selected
Delphi Automotive Systems as its technology development partner.  The Jaguar,
Ford, Delphi relationship capitalizes on the core expertise and capability of
the respective organizations:
    *  Jaguar's design flair, technical expertise and market position.
    *  Delphi Automotive Systems' outstanding expertise in radar systems and
electronics.
    *  Ford's ability to bring new technology into production at affordable
cost.
    Jaguar plans to introduce Adaptive Cruise Control on selected models in
strategic markets by the end of 1999 and will progressively extend its
availability to a wider market.
    Commenting on the Jaguar Adaptive Cruise Control system, Jack Hynds, chief
engineer of Jaguar Electrical and Electronic Engineering said, "Standard
cruise control has been available for a number of years and is especially
convenient on uncongested roads such as those in North America.  Adaptive
Cruise Control will allow similar levels of convenience on more congested
roads, particularly those found in Europe.  Adaptive Cruise Control will be a
great benefit to our customers.  I look forward to the ongoing partnership
between Jaguar, Ford and Delphi, delivering other high technology features
which will surprise and delight our customers."
    "This exciting new system greatly adds to driver convenience by enhancing
the overall driving experience," said Jeff Owens, Delphi Delco Electronics
Systems general director of engineering.  "We are pleased to be working with
Jaguar, whose reputation for being at the vanguard of producing sophisticated
motor cars with advanced features and functions complements our technical
expertise.  We believe that Delphi and Jaguar both will mutually benefit from
this relationship built around excellence and innovation."

    * PROMETHEUS PROgraMme for European Traffic with Highest Efficiency and
Unprecedented Safety.