Electronic sideview mirrors and adaptive headlights that avoid oncoming drivers’ eyes and communicate with pedestrians are among features drivers can expect soon, according to European parts supplier Forvia.
Some of the systems are already available in other parts of the world, but U.S. regulations slowed their adoption here.
Forvia, which specializes in interior systems, lighting and electronics, also is developing a variety of eco-friendly materials that use hemp and other sustainable sources to reduce automakers’ carbon footprint.
I recently got a look at those and other new features at Forvia’s North American tech center in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
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High-def sideview video
The eMirror goes into production this year in China. It uses video cameras to replace or augment outside sideview mirrors.
The first vehicles likely to get the feature in the U.S. will likely be pickups and SUVs that have outsize mirrors for towing big trailers, said Valerie Zelko, manager for the electronic mirrors and other driver assistance features.
The cameras can provide wide fields of view, eliminating blind spots without the distortion caused by optical wide-angle mirrors. They can also incorporate other sensors, lighting up to alert vehicles oncoming on either side.
The cameras will allow automakers to replace the big mirrors – major sources of aerodynamic drag that reduce fuel economy and increase wind noise – with smaller mirrors that can be used if the camera fails. U.S. safety regulations require that backup, but European and Chinese vehicles will be able to dispense with outside mirrors altogether.
How does radar work in cars?
Millimeter-wave radar detectors will make sure drivers can’t walk off and forget a pet or infant in a hot, locked vehicle – even if they’re sleeping. The radars will even recognize the minute chest movements of a child sleeping under a blanket, and they’ll scan every inch of the interior, from front footwells to the cargo compartment.
The radars can also be linked to smartphone apps for alerts.
Latest car recalls:Over 1 million Nissan, Tesla and Ram vehicles recalled: Check latest car recalls here
Smart headlights, really smart
LED technology is about to add a host of features to exterior lights.
Automakers will be able to display their logo as a lighted, 3D hologram. The grilles of driverless delivery vehicles could display colored, moving arrows to let pedestrians know that the vehicle is aware of them and that they can safely cross the street.
Other features coming soon will include active headlights that view the road ahead and selectively disable individual LEDs so as not to shine in other drivers’ eyes. The headlights will also be able to project lights on the road to follow the lane or directions from the nav system.
Electric vehicles that no longer need open grilles for engine cooling provide a rich canvas for advanced LED lights, including special effects to welcome the driver.
How can cars reduce carbon emissions?
Forvia’s developing a host of new materials with lower carbon footprints than vehicles use today. The company says 60% of the carbon emissions from producing a vehicle come from the production of materials. New materials that use hemp and other sustainable or recycled sources are key to Forvia’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2040. Other new materials in the works include lightweight polyester, and 100% recyclable material to replace the foams used in seat cushions. In addition to a lower environmental impact, Forvia says the material is more comfortable because it’s full of air pockets that keep the driver cool on long drives.
Other materials in the works include fibers from pineapple leaves, already in use by the fashion industry.
Forvia developed what it calls a “fully sustainable” seat that incorporates plastics that incorporate hemp with recyclable polyester and a steel frame.
