Hella Adds Lane-Change Warning to Audi Q7
PLYMOUTH, Mich., July 30 -- The upscale 2007 Audi Q7 is the first vehicle sold in North America to offer a new radar-based lane-change warning system developed by Hella.
The lane-change assistant system, known as the Audi Side Assist, determines objects in the vehicle's blind spot. The system also recognizes objects not visible in the rear-view mirror.
When a vehicle enters the Audi Q7 SUV's range of vision, a subtle, yellow vertical light strip illuminates on the corresponding side-view mirror. In addition, when the driver activates a turn signal, to indicate an intention to change lanes and a vehicle is in a neighboring lane, the driver will receive a warning in the side mirror. The vehicle's vertical light strip will then flash.
The lane-change assistant has two 24 GHz radar sensors integrated into the vehicle's bumper with a range of 164 feet. The system functions regardless of the weather conditions.
"If vehicles are unseen when changing lanes, this can have fatal consequences," said Dr. Martin Fischer, president of Hella Electronics Corporation. "The lane-change assistant developed by Hella and Audi reduces that risk considerably."
The lane-change assistant supports the driver by constantly monitoring neighboring lanes when the vehicle reaches 35 miles per hour.
Hella, a global supplier, develops and manufactures components and systems for lighting and electronics for the automotive industry, including driver- assistance systems enhancing safety and comfort. In addition, its joint- venture companies produce complete vehicle modules, air-conditioning systems and vehicle-electric systems. Hella is also one of the world's largest companies selling automotive aftermarket parts and accessories, with its own sales companies and partners in more than 100 countries. Annual consolidated sales for the Hella Group total $4.4 billion.
Hella is one of the 100 largest industrial companies in Germany. More than 24,000 people are employed in 70 production facilities, production subsidiaries and joint-venture companies. Nearly 2,900 Hella engineers and technicians work in research and development. Customers include all of the world's leading automakers and system manufacturers, as well as the automotive aftermarket.
Additional information is available at www.hella.com.
Source: Hella
CONTACT:
Ulrich Koester,
Hella KGaA Hueck & Company,
+49-29-41-38-7566,
ulrich.koester@hella.com;
or Marty Habalewsky,
mhabalewsky@usautocom.com,
or Lauren Kiehler,
lkiehler@usautocom.com, both of AutoCom Associates,
+1-248-647-8621, for Hella
