In a rare move, the world’s 20 largest automakers have come together and agreed to make AEB – (emergency braking) technology standard on all new cars they produce by September 1, 2022.
The system varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but it’s typically built around a camera, a laser, or a radar that’s discreetly mounted either behind the rear-view mirror or somewhere on the front fascia, as pictured above on a Mercedes-Benz C-Class. It permanently scopes out the road ahead and warns the driver if it senses that a collision with another car is imminent, and it automatically applies the brakes if the driver doesn’t react in time.
The companies that signed the agreement represent 99 percent of the new car market in the United States alone. The list of participants includes BMW, Toyota, Honda, General Motors, Ford, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, the Volkswagen Group, Honda, Hyundai-Kia, Jaguar-Land Rover, Fiat-Chrysler, Volvo, Tesla, Subaru, Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Mazda. The broad list ensures that consumers will benefit from AEB regardless of whether they spend $16,000 on a Nissan or $160,000 on a Porsche.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says this single move has the potential to reduce rear-end collisions in the U.S. by 40 percent. It’s also an important precedent that paves the way for car manufacturers to agree on standards for autonomous features in their vehicles without being prodded by their incumbent governments.
Sleepy drivers take note !
To your success.
Steve