U.S. OEMs expanding use of front pedestrian braking on new models
Increasing number of models offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
2016/09/09
- Summary
- GM: Rear Camera Mirrors on Cadillac brand models
- Ford: first adoption of new SYNC Connect telematics system on Escape
- FCA: numerous features to add convenience and assist driving on Pacifica
Summary
 Lincoln Continental (2016 North American International Auto Show) |
The following report provides an overview of the use of major features in new and redesigned passenger cars and light trucks (including two facelifted models) that already have been or will be released (fall 2014 and later) by GM, Ford, and FCA for sale in the U.S.
Among features for improving driving performance, utilization of continuously variable damping (including magnetic ride control), which continually regulates damping force in response to driving conditions, has promulgated mostly in luxury vehicles. As for features that improve fuel consumption, utilization of active grille shutters that reduce aerodynamic drag and raise fuel efficiency by automatically opening and closing the shutter in the front grille is increasing.
In the area of collision safety features, GM models including even small cars are increasingly having rear seat side airbags equipped. At the same time, Ford models have been adopting inflatable safety belts for the rear seats that activate at the time of an impact to mitigate the shock from it.
Among driver assistance features, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DoT) has mandated the installation of rear view cameras within two years, and all of the new models mentioned in this report equip them (for new vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or less, this regulation applied to 10% as of May 2016, and this number will rise to 40% by May 2017, and 100% by May 2018.) Moreover, a variety of technologies and features related to Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are being utilized, with the use of Surround View that shows video of a bird's eye view of the periphery of vehicles increasing. Following on automatic breaks for that respond to other vehicles, systems that detect pedestrians in front of a vehicle and automatically apply the brakes are becoming more prevalent. As for automatic emergency brakes, DoT and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reached agreement with 20 major automakers to make them standard equipment for new vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 8,000 pounds or less by 2020.
As for driver visibility improvement systems, auto-dimming exterior driver-side mirrors that prevent glare and rain sensing windshield wipers, which start operating in response to rain drops, are increasingly being utilized.
In the area of accessibility features, programmable key fobs and teen driver settings are finding increasing use. These encourage safe driving by under-20 year olds through key fob setting functions including maximum speed restrictions. Moreover, an increasing number of vehicles support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which link smartphones with onboard systems.
Advanced equipment made available by GM, Ford, and FCA on new U.S. models released in and after fall 2014
| Driving performance (including fuel efficiency) |
Continuously variable damping | Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac CT6, GMC Acadia, Lincoln Continental, Lincoln MKX |
|---|---|---|
| Active grille shutters | Buick LaCrosse, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Colorado, Lincoln Continental, Chrysler Pacifica | |
| Collision safety | Rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags | Buick Envision, Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Spark, Chevrolet Malibu, Chevrolet Colorado |
| Inflatable rear outboard safety belts | Ford Super Duty, Lincoln Continental, Lincoln MKX | |
| Driving assistance | Rear view camera | All models covered in this report |
| Surround view | Buick Envision, Cadillac XT5, Cadillac CT6, Ford Super Duty, Lincoln Continental, Lincoln MKX, Chrysler Pacifica | |
| Front Pedestrian Braking | Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac XT5, Cadillac CT6, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Malibu, Lincoln Continental, Lincoln MKX | |
| Visibility | Auto-dimming exterior driver-side mirror | Cadillac XT5, Chevrolet Camaro, Lincoln Continental, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Charger |
| Rain sensing windshield wipers | Buick Envision, Cadillac XT5, Cadillac CT6, GMC Acadia, Lincoln Continental, Lincoln MKX, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Charger | |
| Accessibility | Programmable key fob/Teen driver setting | Buick Envision, Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Super Duty, Ford Escape, Lincoln Continental, Lincoln MKX, Chrysler Pacifica |
| Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility | Buick Envision. GMC Acadia, Ford Escape, All Chevrolet brand models covered in this report |
New model features reports:
Increased prevalence of advanced safety packages on new Japanese models(Jul. 2015)
Innovative features in Japanese minicars(Jul. 2015)
Major features of new Hyundai-Kia lineup highlighted by increased use of ADAS(Jun. 2015)
German OEMs expand use of connected technologies on new models(Nov. 2014)
Features on new European models: PSA, Renault, FCA, GM, Ford and Volvo(Jan. 2015)
New U.S. models increase adoption of features like rear view cameras(Aug. 2014)
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