V360: A Sixth Sense for Safety - A Vision of Safer Driving

FRANKFURT, Germany, September 13 -- Valeo unveils today a brand-new vehicle demonstrator, named V360, equipped with a wide array of innovative driving assistance systems. The aim of the V360 vehicle is to highlight the successful integration of a range of Valeo technologies that focus on satisfying the consumers' need for a safe driving experience.

All these technologies are the impressive result of the research and development work done by Valeo engineers all working together in the Valeo Driving Assistance Domain. Integrated into one common vehicle they prove that these systems interact perfectly with each other whilst presenting excellent ergonomics.

Safety is the top priority

Latest studies conducted among drivers in Europe, Asia and the United States clearly show that driver expectations of future car design relate primarily to safety and in particular active safety for collision avoidance. The studies revealed that the most important purchasing criteria of consumers is safety, quoted by 65% of respondents, ahead of reliability (52%) and comfort (39%). Drivers wish to be fully informed about their environment and alerted to potential hazards so as to be able to take appropriate decisions, e.g. whether to brake, accelerate, turn, etc.

360 degree vision around the vehicle

Valeo's Driving Assistance Domain strategy focuses on the development of assistance systems that continuously monitor the vehicle's immediate external surroundings and then inform the driver, and other road users, of all potential unseen hazards. If necessary, the appropriate corrective action is advised and triggered.

A transversal approach to the design of innovative systems

The technologies developed within the Driving Assistance Domain are designed to identify, alert, assist and control.

These four actions are managed by systems using several different technologies - radar, cameras, electroluminescent diodes, infrared vision, ultrasound, control and power electronics - and their successful integration with other on-board systems has required a high degree of collaboration across technical disciplines by all Valeo engineers involved in this project. Valeo has put a special focus not only on the technical aspects of the systems but also on their ergonomics, ensuring that they are simple and intuitive to use. Drivers and passengers will have a whole new driving experience.

Technologies that are useful during each and every drive

- OptiVeo(TM) Front System: a compact high dynamic and high sensitivity camera with three functions.

The multifunction camera is integrated behind the internal rearview mirror and surveys the area in front of the car. Itenables the following functions:

- Beamatic(TM): High beam/low beam automation.

This system enables automatic switching between high and low beams according to traffic conditions.

- LaneVue(TM): Lane Departure Warning System.

This system detects involuntary changes in vehicle trajectory and alerts the driver with a sound, visual or vibratory warning signal.

- XtraVue(TM): Infrared night vision system.

This active Infrared night vision system ensures nighttime vision equivalent to using high beam whilst driving with headlamps in low beam mode.

- Adaptive XLED(TM) headlamps:

The high performance Valeo XLED(TM) headlamps introduce a whole new generation of lighting systems combining Xenon and Light Emitting Diodes (LED) technology.

Xenon Dynamic Bending Light headlamps (Xenon DBL) are complemented by LED modules which combine progressive bending light and automatic motorway lighting functions. Depending on road conditions, this system provides highly improved (up to 90%) forward visibility compared to halogen headlamps. As well as their low energy consumption and their record service life, the use of LEDs also contributes to the vehicle's characteristic design.

- Blind Spot Detection:

This multiple-beam radar system warns the driver if there is a vehicle present in the blind spot on either side of the vehicle. A warning symbol appears in the rearview mirror, and this visual warning may also be accompanied by an audible signal.

- OptiVeo(TM) Rear system:

The rear view camera, integrated into the tailgate handle, provides wide-angle images of the zone immediately behind the vehicle. The system is equipped with an integrated heating and cleaning module and operates under all weather conditions.

- Adaptive Rearlamps with MicroOptics(TM) technology:

The homogenous luminous surface of the rearlamps using Light Emitting Diodes (LED) as light sources is the result of the MicroOptics(TM) technology and guarantees not only optimum visibility but also greater design freedom.

Specific warning signals for different driving situations (fog, sudden breaking, reversing, direction changes, door opening, etc.) inform and caution drivers following behind and help to prevent collisions.

- Ultrasonic Park Assist (UPA):

Front and rear ultrasonic sensors detect obstacles during vehicle maneuvers and help the driver park the vehicle safely and with reduced stress.

- Front and rear Flat Blade wipers:

These wiper systems with their ultra-flat blades combine elegance with exceptional wiping performance in all weather conditions. Their unique, award-winning design, optimal aerodynamics and slim dimensions have won universal acclaim.

Yet more innovations for the future:

The front OptiVeo(TM) Multifunction system will soon feature visibility analysis software to automatically switch on and off fog lamps and also a pedestrian detection system designed to prevent collisions. This system will inform the driver via a screen when pedestrians are in the vehicle's trajectory.

An active parking assistance system that integrates ultrasound distance sensors with electronic power assisted steering will not only be able to measure the length of a parking spaces but also conducts the parking maneuver at the driver's request.

The future starts here

Driving assistance technologies are constantly evolving. Many Valeo Driving Assistance systems are already available in series production vehicles such as the Lane Departure Warning System in the Citroën C4 and C5 and Infiniti FX, the Xenon Dynamic and Fixed Bending Light systems adopted by Audi, BMW, Citroën, Opel and VW and UPA systems and Flat Blade wipers today already integrated by most automakers.

With the V360 vehicle demonstrator, drivers now have the unique opportunity to experience a car of the future. By 2010 most vehicles will be equipped with new driving assistance systems making driving safer and more enjoyable.

These driving assistance systems will be a big success for car makers and end-users when fully integrated into the vehicle. Valeo as taken up this challenge for safety and driving pleasure with its new V360 vehicle demonstrator.