Text and images from Volkswagen AG. Wolfsburg, 13 March 2006 - Volkswagen and Google are working together to develop a revolutionary new navigation system. Together with the graphics card manufacturer nVidia, a revolutionary new navigation system is being developed in Volkswagen's Electronics Research Laboratory (ERL) in Palo Alto, California. This new system uses data from Google Earth to generate 3-dimensional images of the route. Moreover, the navigation system can gather online data to provide the driver with important real-time information, for example about the traffic situation or weather. The central element is a touch-screen interface linked to Google Earth. Precise 3-dimensional maps, real-time traffic and route guidance updates and a search function set new standards in navigation technology. This so-called "open system" integrates the internet to meet the individual requirements of the driver and his passengers. The prototype enjoys three important advantages over today's systems. Firstly: the 3-dimensional, photorealistic display of the surrounding area makes intuitive orientation easier for the driver and his passengers.
Secondly: important real-time data are fed into the system through a link to the internet. Thirdly: a further online link coupled to the search function allows the driver and his passengers to receive specific information about special features en route and at the destination - hotels, restaurants, cinemas and theatres are feasible examples. The driver and his passengers can even receive shopping data, right down to current prices, through the innovative navigation system. All such data is shown on the display. At present, this innovative system is still in the development phase - no decision has yet been made about a possible series production launch. Based in Palo Alto, California, the ERL is the Volkswagen Group's central research centre in the USA. In the heart of Silicon Valley, it is able to work directly with globally leading high-tech and start-up companies. The close working relationship between the ERL and these partners facilitates the design and development of innovative features and applications, which are then applied to test vehicles of the Volkswagen Group brands for further analysis.
A large range of BMW ConnectedDrive driver assistance systems and mobility services are available for the new BMW X5. They improve active safety, convenience and the infotainment experience and offer best-in-class standards of intelligent interaction between the driver, vehicle and external environment. The Driving Assistant Plus package provides even more support. Here the Driving Assistant functions are combined with the Active Cruise Control system with Stop & Go function, which enhances comfort and safety in slow-moving and stop-and-go traffic. This system maintains a safe following distance at any speed up to 210 km/h (130 mph). A combination of a front camera and full-range radar sensors registers preceding traffic or stationary vehicles. If the driver fails to react to a warning of an imminent frontal collision, Driving Assistant Plus automatically brakes the vehicle, if necessary to a standstill. At speeds up to 40 km/h (25 mph), this function not only controls following distance but also keeps the vehicle on track.
The Traffic Jam Assistant keeps the vehicle in the centre of its lane by providing active steering input. The new BMW X5 will now be offered with the optional Active Protection system, with extended functionality. This safety package takes numerous steps in critical situations to minimise the consequences of a potential accident. It closes the side windows and the sunroof (if fitted), pulls the front seatbelts tight and adjusts the backrest of the front passenger seat to an upright position. Active Protection now also includes an Attention Assistant feature, which analyses driving behaviour and advises when it is time to take a break. Fast and appropriate assistance in the event of a collision, with automatic vehicle location and accident severity detection, is provided by the Intelligent Emergency Call system, which is standard in many markets. The current generation of this system relays important information to the BMW Call Centre in the event of a crash, such as vehicle position (accurate within metres), chassis number, vehicle model, vehicle colour and data from the onboard sensors.
The system also detects how many people are travelling in the vehicle, which airbags were activated and the intensity of the impact. BMW ConnectedDrive technologies also enhance safety at night. In addition to Adaptive Headlights with turning lights, Adaptive LED Headlights and the dynamically controlled anti-dazzle High Beam Assistant, which automatically blocks a portion of the headlight beam, nocturnal safety can be further assisted by BMW Night Vision. This system now detects not only pedestrians but also animals, and also includes the Dynamic Light Spot. The system relays a real-time video image to the control display which shows people, sizeable animals and other heat-radiating objects even if they are outside the headlight beam, and provides a warning if there is a collision risk. The Dynamic Light Spot is generated by a special light function which "spotlights" any persons or animals detected by the system, thereby guiding the driver's attention in the right direction in good time. In the new BMW X5, the BMW Head-Up Display, which projects important information in full colour onto the windscreen, now includes additional content.
