In the next generation, ACC with Full Speed Range Function - in connection with a special short range smart radar sensor - will become even more convenient to use: the vehicle will be slowed down to a standstill if needed instead of turning off at 30 km/h as is presently the case. This function also recognizes when the car in front is starting to move again and will announce this with an acoustic signal. If the driver affirms with a keystroke, the vehicle will accelerate automatically to the pre-selected speed - while maintaining the correct distance - or to the tempo the flow of traffic allows.

If the vehicle has come to a standstill, another comfort function is activated: the braking system will maintain the brake pressure in order to reliably hold the car even on a slope without the driver having to apply the brakes. Indicated by a display in the cockpit, the brakes remain in force until the driver wants to resume driving and/or the traffic begins to move again.

Reduced Stopping Distance

In cooperation with the brake development department we are working on a new ACC safety function under the keyword Reduced Stopping Distance. The ACC sensor system helps reduce the stopping distance when braking even with the adaptive cruise control (ACC) turned off. As soon as the sensor system recognizes a critical distance situation, the system will prefill the brake system and cause the vehicle to achieve full braking performance much earlier in the braking process. This results either in the complete avoidance of an accident or at least in reducing the impact energy by up to 50 percent. Particularly for small vehicles with short crash zones, this additional safety function represents a beneficial enhancement of the safety equipment.

Parking Assistant Function   

A purely comfort feature: An environment sensor system specialized for the near range - a 24 GHz radar, possibly reinforced by ultrasound sensors - will automatically slow down the vehicle during the parking maneuver if there is any danger of rolling into an obstacle. Just like with the adjustment of speed to the flow of traffic, the parking assistant intervenes in the motor management and brake control. Intelligent positioning systems supplement the parking assistant for enhanced steering so that even inexperienced drivers will turn the steering wheel in just the right angle at the first try for parking, and even parking into tight spaces will become a breeze.