Hella’s newest 24 GHz driver-safety radar systems will help save lives, the company states, and could be seen soon on vehicles you'll be servicing in the bay.
A global supplier of automotive electronics and lighting, Hella offers a variety of electronics products based on 24 GHz radar technology, including systems that provide distance warning, assistance with lane changes, rear cross-traffic alerts and blind-spot detection.
Hella’s radar systems are approved for use in most areas of the world. In Japan, Hella is the only supplier to be licensed to use a 24 GHz radar frequency. Radar technology operates in all weather conditions, giving it a clear advantage over optical systems, that require a clear visual path.
“Driver safety technology will continue to be a clear priority for consumers, the auto industry and government regulators,” says Dr. Martin Fischer, president of Hella Electronics Corporation and Hella Corporate Center USA, and responsible for electronics and lighting products in North America.
Cost-Efficient Distance Warning Increases Driver Safety, Comfort
To remedy the problem of driver inattentiveness or lack of a safe driving distance between vehicles, Hella has developed a Distance Warning System. It continuously measures the distance to a car ahead, providing an audible tone, a visual sign or a vibration warning when the distance falls below the limit established by the driver.
“The probability of an accident caused by insufficient distance between vehicles can be significantly reduced,” explains Mark Brainard, vice president of Product Development for Hella Electronics Corporation.
The first use of Hella’s distance warning system on a production vehicle was on a 2009 PSA Citroën.
Lane-Change Assistant Warns Driver of Unsafe Conditions
Hella’s Lane-Change Assistant warns the driver when it may be unsafe to change lanes. It is in series production at several OEMs, including Audi, Mazda and Volkswagen. Two 24 GHz radar sensors alert the driver to vehicles alongside or behind the car. A warning distance of nearly 230 feet allows time for the driver to take any corrective action, especially in highway traffic.
“The Lane-Change Assistant is a cost-efficient feature for compact to medium-class vehicles,” Brainard says. “It’s a ‘luxury’ car safety item that comes at an affordable price.”
Approved for use in most markets, the system is suitable for a variety of global vehicle platforms.
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert System Makes Exiting a Parking Space Safer
Hella’s Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is part of the company’s Lane-Change Assistant. It alerts drivers to approaching traffic when leaving a parking space. The system is especially helpful in crowded parking lots and garages where a driver’s field of vision is limited.
Not currently in production, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is being considered by several automakers for use in North America.
Blind-Spot Detection Warns Driver When It’s Unsafe to Change Lanes
Hella’s Blind-Spot Detection system monitors blind spots, warning the driver when it’s unsafe to change lanes. The system will complete the support for the driver. A warning will occur when a vehicle remains in the blind spot as well as when entering.
For more information, visit www.hella.com.
