Electronic sideview mirrors and adaptive headlights that avoid oncoming drivers’ eyes and communicate with pedestrians are among the 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 US regulations have slowed their adoption here.
Forvia, which specializes in interior systems, lighting and electronics, is also developing a range of environmentally friendly materials that use hemp and other sustainable sources to reduce automakers’ carbon footprint.
I recently found those and other new features at Forvia’s North American tech center in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
Latest vehicle recall:More than 1 million Nissan, Tesla and Ram vehicles recalled: Check the latest vehicle recalls here
Did you make the list?:The best new cars, trucks and SUVs of 2023, according to Consumer Reports’ Top Picks
High-def sideview video
The eMirror will go into production this year in China. It uses video cameras to replace or supplement outside sideview mirrors.
The first vehicles likely to get the U.S. feature are likely to be pickups and SUVs with large mirrors for towing large trailers, said Valerie Zelko, manager for electronic mirrors and other auxiliary parts. the driver.
The cameras provide wide fields of view, eliminating blind spots without distortion caused by optical wide-angle mirrors. They can also incorporate other sensors, which light up to alert cars approaching on either side.
The cameras allow automakers to replace large mirrors — major sources of aerodynamic drag that reduce fuel economy and increase wind noise — with smaller mirrors that can be used in case the camera fails. US safety regulations require that backup, but European and Chinese vehicles can dispense with exterior mirrors.
How does radar work in cars?
Millimeter wave radar detectors make sure drivers don’t walk away and forget a pet or child in a hot, locked car – even if they’re asleep. The radars can even detect the slightest movements of a child’s chest sleeping under the blanket, and they will check every inch of the interior, from the front footwells to the cargo compartment.
The radars can also be linked to smartphone apps for alerts.
Latest vehicle recall:More than 1 million Nissan, Tesla and Ram vehicles recalled: Check the latest vehicle recalls here
Smart headlights, really smart
LED technology is about to add more features to outdoor lighting.
Automakers can display their logo as an illuminated, 3D hologram. The grilles of driverless delivery vehicles can display colored, moving arrows to let pedestrians know that the vehicle is aware of them and that they can cross the road safely.
Other features coming soon will include active headlights that look at the road ahead and selectively disable individual LEDs so as not to shine into the eyes of other drivers. The headlights can also project road lights to follow the lane or direction from the nav system.
Electric vehicles that no longer need open grilles for engine cooling provide a large canvas for advanced LED lighting, including special effects to welcome the driver.
How can cars reduce carbon emissions?
Forvia has developed several new materials with a lower carbon footprint than those used in today’s vehicles. The company says that 60% of the carbon emissions from making a car 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 foam used in seat cushions. In addition to a lower environmental impact, Forvia says the material is more comfortable because it is full of air pockets that keep the driver cool on long trips.
Other materials in the works include fibers from pineapple leaves, which are already used in the fashion industry.
Forvia has developed what it calls a “fully sustainable” chair that includes plastics that include hemp with recyclable polyester and a steel frame.
Contact Mark Phelan: 313-222-6731 or mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more at cars and enroll in our car newsletter. Become a subscriber.