PARIS, October 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Valeo's driving assistance systems act as virtual co-pilots, assisting the driver's own eyes. Based on its full range of radar, ultrasonic and camera surveillance systems, Valeo offers solutions that monitor the vehicle's environment and provide the driver with 360degrees vision thus enhancing safety and driving comfort during low-speed maneuvers.
Valeo has recently launched 360Vue(TM), a new solution based on multicameras, offering 360degrees vision around the vehicle. When the cameras are linked to ultrasonic sensors, the system detects obstacles and precisely measures distances, while a network of cameras monitors the vehicle's surroundings, making maneuvers that are hazardous due to poor visibility, such as reversing or crossing a dangerous junction, much safer.
The first vehicle to be equipped with this system will be available late 2008. Other vehicles for various automakers will follow in 2009.
The ParkVue(TM) system, which has equipped the Volvo XC90 since 2006, is now available on the Ford Kuga. It uses a rear camera and ultrasonic sensors to provide the driver not only with perfect visibility behind the vehicle but also enables him to evaluate distances by means of a series of colored bars.
Valeo is world leader in ultrasonic parking assistance systems, and produced its 100 millionth sensor this year. Park4U(TM), is a sensor-based application for automatic parking: when the lateral sensors detect a space, the driver simply stops the car next to it, puts the car into reverse and releases the steering wheel. The system manages the maneuver, while the driver remains in control of braking and acceleration. Day or night, whether the space is straight or curved, Park4U(TM) carries out the maneuver.
The system equips the Audi A3, the Skoda Superb, six Volkswagen models and, more recently, the new Golf VI. The second generation will go on the market in 2009, and will be able to park in even tighter spaces. 18 models will carry the system by 2010.
Valeo is an independent industrial Group fully focused on the design, production and sale of components, integrated systems and modules for cars and trucks. Valeo ranks among the world's top automotive suppliers. The Group has 122 plants, 61 R&D centers, 9 distribution centers and employs 59,700 people in 28 countries worldwide.
http://www.valeo.com