New US models' equipment: greater availability of blind spot systems and other ADAS
Outline of features on new GM/Ford/Chrysler models introduced in the US
2011/04/21
- Summary
- GM: Ten airbags used on the Chevrolet Cruze, eight on the Chevrolet Volt
- Ford: Curve control and other advanced driving stability systems featured on the Explorer
- Chrysler: Blind spot monitoring and other advanced driving assists available on four new models
Summary
The following is a summary of major equipment available on the new models (passenger cars and light trucks) launched by GM, Ford and Chrysler in the U.S. market in and after the spring of 2010.
Among the driving stability equipment, the ESC (Electronic Stability Control) is a standard feature on practically all new models (the U.S. Department of Transportation requires such systems on all models starting with the 2012MY). Certain SUVs have the Roll stability control as well.
Regarding collision safety, the knee airbag that protects the driver's lower limbs is becoming a standard feature on many models.
As for the visibility equipment, the rain-sensitive windshield wipers that detect raindrops and wipe the windshield automatically when needed are becoming available, especially among high-end models.
Driving and parking assists include the Blind spot information system that alerts the driver of another vehicle entering the blind spot and the Cross traffic alert that alerts the driver of other vehicles approaching when entering a street in reverse gear. The availability of these and other advanced driving assists is increasing.
Systems addressing the comfort and convenience of increasing availability include the Dual zone climate control that allows the driver to control air conditioning separately for the driver and for the front seat occupant, and the Remote vehicle start for starting the engine and adjusting the air conditioning before entering the car.
GM/Ford/Chrysler: Main features on the new models launched in the US market in and after the spring of 2010
Equipped as standard on all grades
| Driving stability | Roll stability control | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Collision safety | Driver knee airbags | Chevrolet Volt, Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Fiesta, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger |
| Airbags for rear seat | Chevrolet Cruze | |
| Driving assist | Hill start assist | Ford Explorer, Dodge Charger, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee |
| Visibility | Automatic-dimming rearview mirror | Chevrolet Volt, Cadillac CTS Coupe, Buick Regal |
| Comfort & convenience |
Dual zone climate control | Cadillac CTS, Buick Regal, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee |
| Remote vehicle start | Chevrolet Volt, Cadillac CTS Coupe |
Equipped as standard on certain grades
| Driving stability | Roll stability control | Dodge Durango |
|---|---|---|
| Driving & parking assist |
Blind spot information system | Dodge Charger, Dodge Durango |
| Rear cross path detection system | Dodge Charger, Dodge Durango | |
| Rearview camera | Cadillac CTS Coupe, Ford Explorer, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee |
|
| Visibility | Automatic-dimming rearview mirror | Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Explorer, Ford Fiesta, Dodge Charger, Jeep Grand Cherokee |
| Rain-sensitive windshield wipers | Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee |
|
| Comfort & convenience |
Dual zone climate control | Ford Focus, Ford Explorer, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger |
| Remote vehicle start | Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Explorer, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Jeep Grand Cherokee |
Equipped as optional
| Collision safety | Airbags for rear seat | Buick Regal, Ford Explorer (Note ) |
|---|---|---|
| Driving & parking assist |
Blind spot information system | Ford Explorer, Chrysler 300, Jeep Grand Cherokee |
| Rear cross path detection system | Ford Explorer, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Jeep Grand Cherokee |
|
| Hill start assist | Ford Fiesta | |
| Rearview camera | Chevrolet Volt, Ford Focus, Dodge Charger | |
| Visibility | Automatic-dimming rearview mirror | Ford Focus, Chrysler 300 |
| Rain-sensitive windshield wipers | Ford Focus, Ford Explorer | |
| Comfort & convenience |
Remote vehicle start | Ford Focus |
(Note) Among the vehicles which equip the airbags for rear seats as optional, the Ford Explorer features the inflatable rear safety belts (safety belts that inflate like airbags).
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