---

DaimlerChrysler Software Adjusts Vehicle to Individual Driving Styles

13 April 2000

DaimlerChrysler Software Adjusts Vehicle to Individual Driving Styles

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich. and STUTTGART, Germany, April 12 Aggressive driver, defensive driver, middle-of-the-road driver; all drivers
have a unique set of habits and behaviors behind the wheel that determine
their individual style of driving.
    DaimlerChrysler researchers in Germany have developed computer software
that constantly monitors and analyzes a driver's maneuvers, such as
acceleration, braking and steering, then classifies the driver by style.  The
computer program goes even further: it adapts the engine and transmission
within a fraction of a second to accommodate the individual's driving style.
The computer software also recognizes changes in driving conditions, such as a
move from expressway to city street driving.  The result is a more comfortable
ride, better fuel economy and a longer service life for the automobile.
    To classify driver behavior, the DaimlerChrysler researchers developed a
statistical model that compares the individual driver with a data pool
compiled from field experiments with a group of 20 drivers.  From a spectrum
of driver categories ranging from very steady to highly aggressive, the
software classifies the driving behavior prevailing at any time.
    The computer then uses the classification to adjust and optimize vehicle
performance.