AUBURN HILLS, Mich., March 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Even with rearview
and side-view mirrors, most drivers still struggle with blind spots in
traffic. Siemens VDO Automotive's new Blind Spot Detection System (BSDS) can
help drivers keep their eyes on the road, while warning them when a vehicle is
approaching and passing through blind spots.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030304/SVDOALOGO )
"The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates nearly
830,000 vehicles will be damaged or destroyed this year as a result of blind-
spot-related 'lane-changing accidents,'" said Siemens VDO Automotive Advanced
Product Engineering Manager Maria Kremer. "Our system is designed to alert
the driver before a potential incident may occur."
BSDS uses radar sensors invisibly mounted to the back of the rear wheels
and the side exterior of the vehicle, which detect objects approaching the
driver's blind spot area. Each sensor uses two overlapping radar beams to
cover the large observation zone and reliably detect objects traveling at high
speeds. In addition, BSDS is efficiently designed only to detect vehicles in
adjacent lanes.
"We do not want to give a warning if a vehicle is coming in two lanes or
three lanes away," said Kremer. "At that point, a driver can safely make a
lane change without hitting another vehicle."
When an obstruction is detected, BSDS alerts the driver to a potential
collision with a light on the side-view mirror.
"Our system distinguishes between vehicles and other objects such as
street signs and trees," said Kremer. "In order to avoid driver distraction,
the alert light only illuminates when the object in question is a vehicle."
Once the object has passed through the driver's blind spot, the warning
light goes off.
Central to BSDS is flexible packaging allowing it to be easily integrated
into any vehicle design. The technology is expected to be in production for
the 2007 model year.
Driver safety innovation is constantly improving. Siemens VDO Automotive
plans to stay ahead of the curve with detection technology using both radar
and optical sensors to help improve driver confidence and collision avoidance.
Siemens VDO Automotive AG is one of the world's leading suppliers of
electronics, electrical and mechatronic products to the automotive industry.
As a development partner of the automotive industry, the company manufactures
products for powertrain, engine control electronics and fuel injectors which
improve engine performance and reduce emissions. Other core products include
driver information and car communications systems with instrumentation, audio
and navigation systems, telematics and multimedia applications, including
complete cockpits, providing increased comfort and convenience.
Siemens VDO Automotive AG offers products for chassis and car body, such
as airbag, ABS and access control systems which contribute to increased
vehicle safety and security. The company's Service & Special Solutions
Division markets products for consumer and commercial vehicles, with a focus
on fleet management, audio and navigation systems.
In fiscal year 2002/03, Siemens VDO Automotive AG generated sales of $9.6
billion (euro 8.4 billion). North American sales represent 19% percent of
total sales, at more than $1.8 billion (euro 1.6 billion). Siemens VDO
Automotive AG is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Siemens AG (NYSE: SI),
headquartered in Munich.
SOURCE Siemens VDO Automotive
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Photo Notes:
NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030304/SVDOALOGO
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Related links:
http://www.usa.siemensvdo.com
CONTACT:
David Ladd of Siemens VDO Automotive,
+1-248-209-5822, david.ladd@siemens.com
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