ABS (Antiblockiersystem): anti-lock braking system
ABS prevents complete locking of the wheels in the event of heavy braking. It thus reduces the risk of losing grip and slipping on wet or slippery ground. Braking pressure is regulated by a rapid succession of locking-unlocking which enables the driver to retain directional power during emergency braking and to avoid or circumvent an obstacle.
ESP (Electronic Stability Program): trajectory controller
ESP detects loss of grip when cornering and acts on the braking of each wheel to prevent skidding. It corrects the trajectory of a vehicle in the event of stalling of the front axle (understeer) or the rear axle (oversteer). It is based on the speed of rotation of the wheels, the angle of the steering wheel and the yaw rate (rotation of the vehicle in relation to the vertical axis).
AEB (Automated Emergency Braking): collision risk alert and automatic emergency braking
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EuroNCAP – Automatic braking
The AEB measures the distance between the vehicle and the vehicle being followed, and warns the driver if the safety distances are not respected. When the vehicle detects a risk of collision, AEB initiates automatic emergency braking.
R-AEB (Rear-Automated Emergency Braking): automatic emergency braking in reverse
With the R-AEB, a radar measures the distance and speed of approaching obstacles when reversing. When the vehicle detects a risk of collision, the system brakes automatically.
ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control): adaptive cruise control
ACC adapts the set speed of the cruise control to maintain a programmed safe distance from the vehicle in front. It can decelerate to a complete stop and restart, thanks to a radar placed in the grille or on the top of the windshield. When combined with Lana Centering, ACC enables Level 2 semi-autonomous driving.
LDW (Lane Departure Warning): involuntary lane crossing alert
When the driver crosses a white line without having triggered his indicator, the LDW emits an audible signal and a vibration in the steering wheel to call him to order. The driver must correct the trajectory himself.
LCA (Lane Change Assist): lane change assistant
The LCA detects vehicles located in blind spots and warns the driver of a danger when he wishes to change lanes. When the radar detects a vehicle approaching in this area, the LCA alerts the driver with a light signal in the exterior mirror to interrupt the lane change manoeuvre. If the driver persists, the system triggers an audible alert or a vibration in the steering wheel.
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Volkswagen Touareg – Lane Assist
LKA (Lane Keeping Assist): help keeping you in the lane
Using a camera, the LKA monitors the trajectory of the vehicle and corrects the direction by a slight action on the steering wheel. It is triggered only when the wheels of the vehicle pass the road marking. Lane Keeping Assist operates independently of ACC cruise control and is not as active as Lane Centering.
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EuroNCAP – Queue tracking
LC (Lane Centering): hold for centering the vehicle in the lane
The LC constantly acts on the steering so that the vehicle always remains centered in its lane. It complements adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance to offer a level 2 semi-autonomous driving mode. This technology does not exempt the driver from remaining attentive and keeping their hands on the flying.
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Toyota – Lane Keeping
TSR (Traffic Sign Recognition): signal recognition
Thanks to a camera usually located between the windscreen and the interior mirror, the TSR recognizes certain roadside signs, in particular those for speed limits and no overtaking. Once recognized, the panel is displayed on the dashboard in the form of a pictogram, reminding you at all times of the speed limit to be observed.
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Sign recognition
ISA (Intelligent Speed Assistant): intelligent speed limiter
The ISA system automatically adjusts the speed according to the authorized limitation, information provided by the TSR. Activated, ISA warns the driver when the vehicle enters a new speed zone (city, road, motorway), or when traffic conditions require a change in speed (rain, night, work, etc.).
TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System): tire pressure monitoring system
With the TPMS, sensors located in each wheel indicate the tire inflation status directly in the instrument cluster or on the on-board computer. This information appears in the form of a pictogram or a diagram giving the pressure value in bars for each of the wheels. This makes it possible to detect a slow puncture or an inflation difference between tires.
NVS (Night Vision and Pedestrian Detection): helps with night vision and detection of pedestrians and animals
The night vision aid detects pedestrians, cyclists and animals at night a hundred meters in front of the vehicle. Their presence is detected by an infrared camera, while the on-board screen displays their silhouette to warn of danger.
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Pedestrian detection
DAW (Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning): driver drowsiness and loss of attention warning
The DAW system monitors the angle of the steering wheel, the following of the marking lines, the oscillations of the vehicle in the lane or the acceleration pressure. If it detects suspicious movements, such as a sudden swerve to catch up on a lane deviation, it warns the driver that it’s time to stop by displaying a cup of coffee on the dashboard. On top-of-the-range models, the system can also monitor the driver using an infrared camera that films his face.
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Valeo – Driver Monitoring System
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Attention Assist
Smart lighting
Combined with Matrix LED lighting technology, the intelligent adaptive headlights modulate their luminous flux according to traffic. The system can automatically switch from high beam to low beam to avoid dazzling oncoming vehicles. It adapts to weather conditions (rain, snow, fog), road environment (city or countryside) and different traffic situations (intersection, parking manoeuvres). The directional cornering function also improves vision in curves and shoulders.
Reversing or 360° vision camera
One or more cameras retransmit the rear view of the vehicle on the navigation screen. It is then possible to reverse without turning around to see through the bezel, guided by virtual lines on the screen. More sophisticated systems can be added, offering 360° peripheral vision thanks to the presence of several cameras. Enough to cover all blind spots and make all surrounding obstacles visible.
Auto Parking: automatic parking assistant
At the driver’s request, Auto Parking searches for a parking space suited to the size of the vehicle, then performs the maneuver semi-autonomously. The driver only affects the direction of travel (front-rear) and the accelerator. The system calculates the steering angle of the wheels and turns the steering wheel automatically to perform the crenel, on the cob or in battle.
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Park Assist
Remote Parking: autonomous parking maneuver
Using a smartphone app or the vehicle key, the driver parks or drives his vehicle out of a garage or tight parking lot autonomously. It must be within 3 m of the vehicle to activate the system. Manufacturers offer an even more advanced Remote Valet Parking function where the driver gives the order to his car, equipped with lidar, to look for a place alone in the car park or to pick it up.
V2X (Vehicle-to-everything): vehicle communication with everything
With V2X technology, connected vehicles securely exchange information with their environment: other vehicles, pedestrians, road infrastructure (traffic lights, parking lots, etc.) or data centers through cellular networks. This communication makes it possible to detect potential dangers and to act accordingly.
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Volkswagen Golf – Car2X