Car Blog

With six-cylinder fuel efficiency delivering 25 highway mpg and an adaptive five-speed automatic with Auto Stick — new Challenger SE Rallye builds on the excitement of the new Challenger R/T Classic

• Dodge Challenger SE Rallye features unique design cues including dual body stripes, chromed ‘FUEL’ door, deck lid spoiler, 18-inch aluminum wheels with black pockets and Micro Carbon interior accents

• Fuel-efficient 3.5-liter V-6 now features a responsive five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick

• Best-in-class rear head (37.4 inches) and leg (32.6 inches) room provides spacious rear seat for up to three adults

• Best-in-class trunk space (16.2 cu. ft.) equal to the Dodge Charger

The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger delivers the best of modern American muscle-car characteristics — unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful engines and technology. The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye adds even more pony car excitement with a responsive five-speed automatic transmission and bold accented exterior enhancements. The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye starts at $26,490 (including $725 destination) and is available for ordering now at Dodge dealerships nationwide.

“Featuring the transmission from our HEMI-powered Challenger models, the new Dodge Challenger SE Rallye earns its stripes with a five-speed automatic delivering an exhilarating driving experience and 25 miles per gallon fuel-efficiency,” said Mike Accavitti, Director-Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge Brands, Chrysler LLC. “And with eye-grabbing details including 18-inch wheels with black painted pockets, deck lid spoiler, and heritage-inspired chromed ‘FUEL’ filler door–Dodge Challenger SE shows off its pony car bloodlines.”

Dodge Challenger SE Rallye is a unique breed and offers more than head-turning good looks. With its throw-back hood and deck lid dual stripes with accent color outer stripes, chromed ‘FUEL’ filler door, 18-inch rallye wheels with all-season performance tires, body-color deck lid spoiler and Micro Carbon interior accents — the new Challenger SE Rallye builds on the Dodge DNA.

The all-new Dodge Challenger SE Rallye is the first six-cylinder Challenger model to offer accented dual stripes, and the first Challenger model to offer deck lid stripes. With seven exterior paint colors and two-color stripe combinations, Dodge Challenger SE Rallye offers even more muscle-car excitement to the Challenger lineup.

Exterior paint colors and dual-stripe combinations on the Dodge Challenger SE Rallye include:

• Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl — with Dark Gray dual stripes and Red accent stripes

• Bright Silver Metallic — with Dark Gray dual stripes and Red accent stripes

• Deep Water Blue Metallic — with White dual stripes and Red accent stripes

• Inferno Red Crystal Pearl — with Black and Dark Gray accent stripes

• TorRed — with Black dual stripes and Dark Gray accent stripes

• Dark Titanium Metallic — with Black dual stripes and Red accent stripes

• Stone White — with Black dual stripes and Red accent stripes

The 2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye model features an aluminum block 3.5-liter V-6 engine delivering 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. With 250 horsepower (186 kW) and 250 lb.-ft. of torque (339 N*m), this 24-valve engine delivers efficiency and performance.

The all-new Dodge Challenger SE Rallye marks the introduction of the five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick for all Dodge Challenger SE models. With more responsiveness than the previous four-speed transmission, and an aggressive first-gear ratio, the five-speed automatic transmission provides outstanding launch performance and smoothness at any speed.

On the interior, the trapezoidal theme of the door-panel cove and gauge cluster, dark headliner and slanted shifter console are inspired by the original Dodge Challenger. Inspiration from the past continues with a “four bomb” gauge cluster with deep easy-to-read white faces. Premium cloth bucket seats are well bolstered. For a more comforting and luxurious feel, heated leather seats finished with French-seamed stitching are available. The advanced uconnect gps with voice recognition, navigation with real-time traffic and Universal Customer Interface (UCI) for iPod connectivity is available on the Dodge Challenger SE Rallye.

The 2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye offers exceptional rear seating for a two-door coupe, achieving best-in-class rear head (37.4 inches) and leg (32.6 inches) room compared with the competition. Coupled with best-in-class cargo space (16.2 cu. ft.) — equal to the Dodge Charger — the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye offers comfort and functionality.

2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye Production

Production of the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye will start in April of 2009 at the Brampton Assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. It will be built on the same assembly line as the award-winning and quality-proven Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300.

All-new 2009 Dodge Challenger

The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger merges the best American muscle-car characteristics — unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful engines and technology — to delight driving enthusiasts across several generations. The Dodge Challenger accommodates five passengers in a two-door coupe produced from the company’s proven rear-wheel-drive platform. With three models of head-turning styling, two legendary HEMI(R) V-8 engines choices, more than 25 safety and security features and modern amenities including uconnect gps with voice-activated navigation system and real-time traffic available — the 2009 Dodge Challenger delivers the brand’s “bold, powerful and capable” credo.

Dodge Brand

With a work-hard, play-hard attitude, the Dodge brand continues to offer a full line of cars, trucks, SUVs, commercial vehicles and sales-leading, fifth-generation minivans in 2009. This year, Dodge will add to the award-winning Ram lineup with the introduction of the all-new 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 Heavy Duty and 3500 Chassis Cab.

Dodge introduced several new vehicles in 2008, including the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey, the 2009 Dodge Challenger and the 2009 Dodge Ram. Dodge also celebrates the 25th anniversary of the minivan during the 2009 model year. With more than 65 minivan-firsts introduced since 1983 and more than 12 million Dodge and Chrysler minivans sold, Chrysler LLC has solidified its leadership in the segment. The 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan continues to set the mark in minivan value with more than 40 new or improved features from the previous generation, including unsurpassed 17 city / 25 highway mpg fuel economy. The 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is also the first minivan in the segment to feature the all-new Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path advance safety systems.

Also in 2008, the Dodge Journey entered key volume markets outside North America, joining the Dodge Avenger, Nitro and Caliber. Dodge Caliber was the highest sales volume vehicle for the company outside North America in 2008.

Source: Chrysler LLC

Detroit Electric to produce and market full line of innovative Pure Electric vehicles in US, UK, EU and China beginning 2010

Detroit Electric Holdings Ltd and PROTON Holdings Berhad announced a strategic partnership to mass produce Pure Electric Vehicles. Detroit Electric will integrate its patented electric drive systems into the vehicles.

Under the agreement, Detroit Electric will license two Proton vehicle platforms and contract the company to assemble the electric vehicles that will be marketed under Detroit Electric’s brand.

This agreement will provide Detroit Electric with its first manufacturing base. The announcement came at a signing ceremony officiated by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

“Today’s agreement with Proton will put Detroit Electric on the fast track to bring a full line of innovative, practical and affordable pure electric vehicles to the global market,” said Albert Lam, Detroit Electric’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We chose Proton due to its state-of-the-art production facility, commitment to research and development, cost efficiency, and stable, high-quality workforce.”

By 2012, Detroit Electric plans to sell more than 270,000 Pure Electric Vehicles in Europe, UK, China and the United States. The vehicles will be priced between USD 23,000 and USD 26,000 for the city range model and between USD 28,000 and USD 33,000 for the extended range model. Styling changes will distinguish Detroit Electric’s vehicles from Proton’s existing line-up.

The vehicles will be based on Detroit Electric’s unique, patented electric drive system that greatly reduces the electric motor’s size and weight. The underlying Magnetic Flux Motor Technology and well-proven Lithium Polymer Battery Technology allow pure electric vehicles to achieve a single-charge range of 180km (111 miles) for the city range model and 325km (200 miles) for the extended range model.

Detroit Electric is in the final stage of setting up two subsidiaries: Detroit Electric Energy, which will produce the battery technology, and Detroit Electric Advanced Propulsion Lab, which will manufacture the motor and controller.

The Detroit Electric Advanced Propulsion Lab and Manufacturing Plant is targeted to be in Malaysia close to the vehicle assembly facilities of Proton. By 2012, the two production plants will produce more than 400,000 electric drive systems, creating thousands of jobs and supporting Detroit Electric’s internal demands as well as third-party OEM’s needs.

Proton, which currently produces a total of 270,000 vehicles of various models in Malaysia, edged out a host of international brands when its popular Persona was named Malaysia’s Best Model of the Year in the 2008 Frost & Sullivan ASEAN Automotive Awards. The company is also Malaysia’s largest investor in research and development, spending USD 1.2 billion (RM4.6 billion) between 1993 and 2003.

“We are proud to be able to integrate our electric drive systems upon one of the best cars out of Asia. Our customers around the world will enjoy the level of quality and comfort offered by Proton, an award-winning manufacturer,” said Lam.

Detroit Electric will be responsible for the homologation of the vehicles and for vehicle certification in the U.S. and European markets, where models are targeted to be sold in the first quarter of 2010 EU, UK, China and closely followed the US. Detroit Electric will assume all warranty and liabilities for the Electric Vehicles, while Proton will warranty the vehicle’s build and standard components.

“Our vehicles will be reliable, meet all quality and safety requirements, and quite simply outperform internal combustion engine vehicles of the same class. They will be affordable as we look at the competitive market and come without the polluting carbon emissions,” said Lam.

Today’s agreement also initiates the test and validation program in which Proton will evaluate Detroit Electric’s electric drive system with the intent to license the rights to distribute, market and sell vehicles under the Proton brand in Asia.

Detroit Electric is looking to repeat similar contract production partnerships with manufacturers in Europe and the United States. This will allow the company to extend its range of models very quickly to meet demand in the different automotive segments in these markets.

“When you are trying to redefine the automotive industry, you need to bring many partners along,” said Lam. “Our contract manufacturing business model will breathe new life into current manufacturers, leveraging existing unutilized global resources and accelerating the technological advancement of pure electric vehicles.”

On the current global downturn in automotive markets, Lam expressed confidence that Pure Electric Vehicles will attract a diverse base of consumers despite the tightening credit market, lowered consumer confidence, unstable oil prices and stricter fuel economy regulations.

“Our target audience are those who purchase practical and affordable vehicles. This makes our products fit the pockets of a very wide audience – from professionals and executives, to mothers, students and small business owners.”

Source: Detroit Electric Holdings Ltd

Average length of ownership increases to 56.3 months, up from 49 months six years ago

One third of consumers plan to purchase another vehicle in the next 12 months; 26 percent predict a vehicle purchase within two years; pent up demand for vehicle sales prevalent

70 percent of consumers likely to consider used vs. new for next vehicle purchase

72 percent of consumers would consider a domestic brand as their next vehicle purchase

Today’s uncertain economy significantly impacts consumer vehicle buying decisions, according to the latest market study issued today by R. L. Polk & Co. In the study, Polk gathered consumer sentiment on the economy, and also about three key topics, including purchase horizon for next vehicles; new vs. used purchase plans; and an assessment of respondents’ willingness to consider a domestic vehicle purchase.

A complete copy of the report is available for download at: http://www.polk.com/TL/MS_200903_ConsumerSentiment.pdf

Overall, nearly half of those surveyed indicated they believe the U.S. economy will worsen in the next year, while just 31 percent are optimistic and think the economic situation will improve.

“A state of optimism for the economy was also reflected in the study,” said Lonnie Miller, director of industry analysis for Polk and co-author of the study. “Nearly one third of respondents plan to purchase a vehicle within twelve months.” This suggests there is pent-up demand for vehicles as some consumers have been putting off their next vehicle purchase for some time now, according to Polk. The drop in sales from 16.1 million units in 2007 to 13.2 million units in 2008 supports that assessment.

Economic Concerns Drive Longer Vehicle Ownership

Vehicle retention trends tracked by Polk indicate consumers are choosing to keep their vehicle longer than in the past. Stemming from a separate registration-based analysis, Polk reports the average length of ownership of a new car or truck in 2008 was more than 4.5 years (56.3 months), compared with 49 months just six years ago. Supporting this trend, only 11 percent of consumers surveyed projected the length of ownership of their vehicle would not be impacted by current economic conditions.

Used Vehicles Receiving Increased Consideration

The study also found that many Americans are more likely to consider a cost-effective used vehicle for their next purchase. Seventy percent of those surveyed indicated they were at least somewhat likely to consider a used, rather than a new vehicle for their next vehicle purchase. Reports of growing used vehicle prices and demand for vehicles at auto auction centers reinforce this mindset.

Domestics Remain Relevant Purchase Choices

More than two thirds (72 percent) of respondents indicated they would consider a domestic vehicle as their next vehicle purchase to help stimulate the U.S. economy and support the domestic auto industry. This is a positive sign, given the current long-term outlook for domestic manufacturers.

Recommendations to Weather the Storm

Given the consumer mindset and current business climate, it makes sense for OEMs to reconsider some of the basic tenets of long term business planning. “Product development for future models needs to factor in and recognize a heightened level of consumer anxiety,” said Bruce Giffin, corporate market research manager at Polk and co-author of the study. “OEMs should not emphasize consumers’ current economic views too much; but instead, focus on accurately mapping out the volume of cars and trucks that will meet future demand.”

In the U.S. market, Polk projects a return to the 14.2 million unit level by 2012. A growing number of loyalty teams have been formed within the manufacturing sector, providing a central focus on keeping customers once consumer confidence bounces back. “It’s important that these teams remain focused on future business even if marketing budgets are tight,” Giffin said.

Polk also has seen a shifting OEM attitude that places a stronger emphasis on the parts and service business. This strategy can be very profitable and can help minimize revenue shortfalls due to declining new vehicle sales. As consumers are holding on to their vehicles longer, now is the time for OEMs and dealers to foster new and even more relevant relationships with existing customers for potential business.

Source: R. L. Polk & Co.

The 2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and their hybrid versions received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s “Top Safety Pick” rating

Ford hybrids offer the best combination of safety and fuel economy as Fusion and Milan hybrids join the Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrids as the only vehicles in their segments with leading fuel economy, “Top Safety Pick” awards and exclusive safety technologies

The Fusion and Milan deliver segment-exclusive safety and driver-aid technologies, such as SYNC(TM) with 911 Assist, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert (CTA)

The all-new 2010 Fusion and Fusion Hybrid – the most fuel efficient midsize cars in North America – has received a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Ford  is the only automotive brand to offer two hybrids that have segment-leading fuel efficiency, “Top Safety Pick” awards and exclusive safety technologies. The Fusion Hybrid offers 41 mpg city while the Escape Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market and also garnered a “Top Safety Pick.”

“Customers no longer have to choose between fuel economy and safety – now they can have both with the Fusion and Escape hybrids,” said Susan Cischke, group vice president, Ford Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering.

The new Fusion Hybrid’s class-leading fuel economy bests the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city. It also features Ford’s innovative SmartGauge(TM) with EcoGuide, which coaches hybrid drivers to maximize fuel efficiency.

In addition, the new Fusion and Milan offer three fuel-sipping gas engine options, including the Duratec 2.5-liter I-4 and enhanced 3.0-liter V-6 and 3.5-liter V-6 Duratec engines. Fusions equipped with the 2.5-liter I-4 engine are expected to deliver at least 3 mpg better on the highway than the Honda Accord and 2 mpg better than the Toyota Camry. The 3.5-liter V-6 powers the all-new Fusion Sport model.

Side impact protection

Fusion and Milan get some of their core strength from the use of lightweight high-strength steel in the body structure. The structure of the Fusion helps it withstand intrusion in a side impact. The tailor-welded B-pillars between the front and rear doorframes are stronger at the top of the vehicle – from below the beltline upward – than at the bottom. This helps to channel energy below the level of the occupants. At the torso level and above, the structure helps to prevent intrusion into the passenger compartment.

“The new Fusion and Milan continue to build on Ford’s leading safety heritage and prove yet again that a high level of safety can come in a midsize package,” said Steve Kozak, chief engineer, Ford Safety Systems.

Fusion’s side-protection elements include:

• Two energy absorbing foam blocks between the inner door panels and interior trim, aligned with the occupants’ chest and hip

• Side-intrusion beams inside the door, anchored at the hinge and latch areas

• Tailor-welded steel in the B-pillar structure with extra thickness–nearly a quarter inch of solid steel–above the beltline

• Seat-deployed thorax air bags for front occupants and side-curtain air bags for head protection in both rows

Segment-exclusive features

Among the segment-exclusive safety and driver aid technologies on the new Fusion and Milan are Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) and 911 Assist.

BLIS with CTA uses two multiple-beam radars in the rear quarter panels (one per side) for two different – but important – purposes. BLIS checks the defined blind spot zone, which is about 10 feet from the back of the bumper to the outside mirrors. When a vehicle is detected, an amber light in the outside mirror of whichever side the vehicle is on lights up. The driver is still responsible for any lane changes, but the BLIS is there to help.

Cross Traffic Alert notifies the driver of impending traffic when backing out of a parking spot and warns the driver when a vehicle is detected within three car widths of either side of the car. As with BLIS, the driver is warned with a light in the outside mirror on the side of the traffic. A warning beep is also sounded.

For safety and security, the 2010 Fusion and Milan include 911 Assist, a new feature integrated into the award-winning Ford SYNC(TM) hands-free system. 911 Assist is designed to aid occupants in placing a call directly to a local 911 emergency operator if an accident that activates an air bag or the emergency fuel cutoff occurs. Unlike competitive systems that are routed through an intermediate call center, 911 Assist places the call directly to the 911 operator to speed response time. Ford Escape also features SYNC with 911 Assist.

A recent Ford study shows that SYNC’s hands-free operation significantly reduces the level of distraction when drivers select a phone number or choose a song on their MP3 player compared with the same operations with hand-held cell phones and music players.

“We know people want to stay connected in their vehicles, so we’re delivering that connectivity for them responsibly and safely,” Cischke said. “Our research backs up what most of us instinctively know – that it’s better while driving to place a call using a voice interface than dialing manually, so you can keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.”

IIHS’s Top Safety Picks

To receive IIHS’s “Top Safety Pick,” vehicles must earn the top “good” ratings in the Institute’s offset frontal and side crash tests, and a rear crash test simulation that evaluates seat and head restraints. An added requirement since 2007 is that vehicles also must offer electronic stability control. Ford Motor Company has more IIHS “Top Safety Picks” than any other automaker.

Both Fusion and Milan offer AdvanceTrac(R) electronic stability control as standard equipment. The safety system uses sensors to detect and measure yaw, or side-to-side skidding conditions, by monitoring the vehicle’s speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle. When AdvanceTrac(R) senses wheel slip, engine torque is reduced and braking is applied where needed to help the driver keep the car tracking on its intended path.

Safety and Security

Fusion and Milan’s standard safety features also include:

Six Standard Air Bags and Ford’s Personal Safety System(R): Safety features include six air bags (dual-stage driver and front-passenger air bags, chest side air bags for front-seat occupants and side-impact air curtains), safety belt pretensioners, seat weight-sensing system for the passenger seat and crash-severity sensing.

BeltMinder(R): BeltMinder is a Ford technology that takes over after the initial safety belt reminder stops chiming. If the driver remains unbuckled, the system chimes and flashes a warning lamp for six seconds every 30 seconds for five minutes or until the driver buckles up, whichever comes first.

LATCH: The Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren system provides convenient mounting points for compatible child seats.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System: This system warns a driver if one or more tires are significantly underinflated. An active pressure sensor with a radio transmitter is mounted inside each tire. A receiver in the vehicle monitors each transmitter, and if tire pressure is not within specific limits, it will activate a visual warning light.

Source: Ford Motor Company

U.S. consumers one step closer to experiencing the Ford Fiesta with arrival of European-specification “Fiesta Movement” vehicles at ports in Baltimore and Oxnard, Calif.

More than 3,300 Fiesta Movement “agent” applications received and total views of video submissions on YouTube exceed 580,000

The new Fiesta already is the No. 2 selling car in Europe and is on track for its best sales month yet in March. Early Fiesta sales in China and other Asia-Pacific markets are exceeding expectations

The arrival on U.S. shores of 100 new Ford Fiestas marks an important step in the rollout of the first of Ford Motor Company’s new generation of global small cars.

The European-built Fiestas arrived today at seaports in Baltimore and Oxnard, Calif., and will be loaned for six months to 100 young trendsetters chosen from more than 3,300 applicants as part of the “Fiesta Movement.” Those picked to drive the European Fiesta will share their experiences online through social media sites such as Facebook, Flickr and YouTube to build buzz and anticipation for the vehicle’s North American launch early next year.

The Fiesta already is a hit in Europe and Asia, where it went on sale last year and earlier this year, respectively. The new Fiesta already is the second-best selling vehicle of any make across Ford’s 19 major European markets, and is headed for its best month yet in Europe in March. Early response from buyers in China and other Asia-Pacific markets already is outstripping company expectations.

“In the midst of the toughest economy many of us have ever seen, the Fiesta is becoming a legitimate global success story,” said Jim Farley, Ford Group Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “The Fiesta Movement is all about introducing a new kind of small car to a new generation of buyers.”

The 100 five-door Fiestas coming to the U.S. were built at Ford’s Cologne Assembly Plant in Europe. For many U.S. customers, it will be their first chance to see and read about the small car that is one of three finalists for the World Car of the Year award that will be announced next month at the New York International Auto Show.

“We’re really excited to be able to get our U.S. customers behind the wheel and experience this car,” said Sam De La Garza, small car marketing manager. “It’s all part of a plan to build excitement about the new Fiesta with the next generation of Ford customers.”

Designed and developed as Ford’s first global car, the Fiesta takes the nameplate’s three-decade heritage to a new level with its eye-catching kinetic design, widely acclaimed driving dynamics and unexpected refinement.

Before coming to the U.S., special permission was granted by the EPA and the European-spec vehicles were modified for American drivers.

The language in the vehicles’ instrument panel message center was changed from German to English and the speedometers were changed from kilometers to miles per hour. The voice piping from the Bluetooth-enabled vehicle, however, retains its British accent. All the Fiesta Movement vehicles feature keyless entry with push-button start, EasyFuel(TM) Capless Fuel-Filler System, 16″ or 17″ wheels, and many other features typically found on larger or premium vehicles.

Agents on a mission

Beginning in late spring, the chosen participants, or “Fiesta Movement” agents, will be asked to complete monthly missions in their vehicles, capture their experiences digitally and share them with Ford and others through social networks.

Ford is aiming the Fiesta Movement at Millennials, the next-generation consumer group born between 1979 and 1985 that will total 70 million new drivers in 2010 — the largest class of any generation. Making up 28 percent of the driving age population, the potential size of the market serves as an opportunity for Ford to connect with a group that hasn’t yet established brand loyalty and is very connected to the use of technology and social networking.

For Millennials, social media is a part of everyday life. Statistics show that for those born after 1980, 62 percent of the content they consume comes from someone they know personally. The missions will be designed based on monthly themes that will take them to new places, to meet new people and to experience new things in their Fiesta.

Collecting data about how the car performs in the U.S. market is an integral part to the vehicle’s launch. With this program, Ford aims to gather valuable customer input on how they perceive the vehicle prior to the next year’s North American launch. It’s the first opportunity Ford has ever had to get a wealth of feedback so early on prior to launch — unique in content and unfiltered from a multitude of sources.

The movement already is catching on, with more than 3,300 agent applications to the www.fiestamovement.com website and 580,000 views of applicant videos on YouTube.

Fiesta

In Europe, the Fiesta name has long been synonymous with outstanding performance, design and value. The new Ford Fiesta takes that three-decade heritage to a new level with eye-catching styling and exemplary driving dynamics for U.S. consumers.

The vehicle is also winning awards, including being named Car of the Year 2009 by the authoritative What Car? magazine in the U.K. and was awarded a prestigious “red dot” award for international product design.

In 2010, the Fiesta will be produced at plants in Germany, Spain, Mexico, Thailand and China for sale in markets around the world. The Fiesta for the North American market will be built at Ford’s assembly plant in Cuautitlan, Mexico.

Source: Ford Motor Company

Continuously adjusting the illumination range of the vehicle headlamps to the traffic situation and the immediate surroundings produces safety benefits – Continental’s digital video camera controls the system

The second generation of the Intelligent Headlamp Control system developed by Continental, the international automotive supplier, is being installed in a series production model for the first time. The system, controlled by a digital camera and a microprocessor, continuously adjusts the illumination range of the vehicle headlamps to the traffic situation, thus ensuring that a significantly greater area of the road ahead of the vehicle is illuminated, without dazzling oncoming traffic or the vehicles in front. The new Intelligent Headlamp Control system is being launched on the market in a German premium model.

Unlike the first generation Intelligent Headlamp Control and unlike the conventional main beam, which, apart from dipped beam, is the only other headlamp setting available, this second generation is continuously variable; as a result, it does away with that brief disconcerting feeling of driving into a “black hole” when the main beam is switched off and before the eyes have become accustomed to the shorter light cone and the area of darkness in front of the vehicle. The camera can detect an oncoming vehicle in the opposite lane or another vehicle in front and continuously adjusts the illumination range to the traffic situation. In the majority of circumstances, this will provide drivers with more light than when using dipped beam. The lower limit of the headlamp illumination range is the same as that of the conventional dipped beam. Intelligent light assistants are growing in importance, especially for the new LED main headlamps, since these offer greater freedom for adjusting the driving light beyond that provided by the continuously variable headlamp leveling control. Continental develops and supplies the required LED control electronics for this application.

The challenging task of controlling the light beam is undertaken by the camera which is fitted level with the inside mirror and picks up the headlamps of oncoming vehicles, the tail lamps of vehicles in front and even street lighting. The system not only senses if they are light rays, which mainly come from headlamps and tail lamps, but it also evaluates their height above the ground and, in particular, the velocity and angle at which they are approaching or moving away from one’s own vehicle. The camera also senses the intensity of the light. Using all this data, the software’s analysis algorithms calculate whether the vehicle matches the relevant parameters and adjusts the headlamp beam’s illumination range – all this in fractions of a second. On test drives at night, covering more than half a million kilometers in different parts of the world, the engineers filmed video sequences which were stored in a database to prepare the system for every conceivable set of circumstances. The data collected amounted to some 10 terabytes, the equivalent of almost 1,200 Hollywood films on DVD.

The starting point for developing this safety feature was the recognition that drivers employ their main beam much too infrequently – partly for convenience but also out of concern that they might dazzle other road users and thus endanger them. With Intelligent Headlamp Control, a digital camera, developed and manufactured by Continental, takes on the task of optimizing the settings of the headlamps. “With night visibility considerably extended, we are expecting a major improvement in safety, not just because the driver has a clearer view but because he will be less tired and subject to significantly less stress,” emphasized Amrei Drechsler, Vice President of the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems business unit of the Chassis & Safety Division.

Speed Limit Monitoring and Lane Departure Warning are additional functions

As well as controlling the intelligent headlamp, Continental’s camera system provides additional functionalities: Speed Limit Monitoring alerts the driver to the current speed limit by interpreting every type of speed limit sign (both permanent and electronically variable signs) and compares the data from the display with information from the navigation system. With the Lane Departure Warning system, the camera uses the road markings to monitor whether the vehicle is at risk of leaving the lane, perhaps because the driver is overtired or has been distracted.

Night driving increases the risk of an accident

Roughly one third of all traffic accidents occur during the hours of darkness even though there is considerably less traffic at night than during the day. At the same time, the proportion of fatal accidents is particularly high when it is dark. The risk of being killed in an accident at night is more than twice as great as during the day. Pedestrians are particularly at risk. In winter especially, with twilight setting in early, the number of fatal accidents rises rapidly; according to the Federal Statistical Office in Germany, between November and January, 75 percent of pedestrians who suffer fatal accidents do so during the hours of darkness. So, better illuminated roads also help to protect pedestrians.

The Automotive Group of Continental AG is one of the leading global automotive suppliers. With its three Divisions – Chassis & Safety, Powertrain and Interior – it achieved sales of approximately 15 billion euro in 2008. The Automotive Group employs more than 80,000 people in more than 130 locations worldwide. As a partner of the automotive industry, the Automotive Group develops and produces innovative products and systems for a modern automotive future, in which a car accommodates individual mobility and driving pleasure to driving safety, environmental responsibility and cost-efficiency.

The Chassis & Safety Division (5.1 billion euro, 27,000 employees) develops and produces electronic and hydraulic brake and chassis control systems, sensors, driver assistance systems, air bag control systems, occupant classification systems, washer systems as well as electronic air suspension systems. Its core competence is the integration of active and passive driving safety into the safety concept ContiGuard(R). The Powertrain Division (4 billion euro, 25,000 employees) integrates innovative and efficient system solutions for vehicle powertrains. These systems increase performance and driving comfort while at the same time lowering consumption and emissions. The comprehensive range of products includes gasoline and diesel injection systems, engine management, transmission control, including sensors and actuators, as well as fuel-supply systems and components and systems for hybrid drives. Information management is at the very heart of the Interior Division (5.8 billion euro, 30,000 employees). The range of products includes instrument clusters and multifunctional displays, control units, electronic car-entry systems, tire-monitoring systems, radios, multimedia and navigation systems, climate control systems, telematics solutions as well as cockpit modules and systems. Additional products and services for commercial and special vehicles and spare parts for the independent aftermarket as well as original equipment services for a phased-out series production perfectly round off the portfolio.

www.JustDriveandEnjoySafety.com

www.continental-corporation.com