November 2020.- Even though at first, cameras and sensors were installed in vehicles, so they were easier to park, with the decades (and the development of technology and other motor advances, such as ABS brakes) these elements have complemented each other in developing complex assistance systems to give drivers a hand. Whether they are on a highway or stuck in the middle of traffic.
Among these systems, we have created the MG Pilot system that allows people to enjoy their vehicles with a good driving experience, and an extra layer of safety and comfort that has been awarded 5 stars at EuroNCAP safety tests.
In simple words, MG Pilot “is a set of assistance and alert technologies that complement the actions of the driver so that it may travel with more confidence”, tells us Christian Scheel, Product & Sales Manager of SAIC Motor, manufacturer of MG.
Since the moment you start the car is always working. Among the assistance we offer, we can find:
Active Emergency Braking: It is designed to avoid low-speed collisions. If it decreases speed below 20km/h, the vehicle will automatically apply its brakes to avoid a collision with another vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian. Above 20km/h, AEB will activate but instead, it will reduce the likelihood or gravity of an accident.
Lane Keep Assist: By means of an angular camera, it actively monitors the vehicle’s position on the road. In the case of the MG ZV EV, when the function detects that the vehicle is about to unintentionally move out of its lane, it warns the driver by means of a visual, audible alert and steering wheel vibration. The vehicle will also control the steering wheel direction to keep it within its lane.
Adaptive Cruise Control: A smarter version of Cruise Control where the system monitors the road in front of the vehicle. As the road keeps clear, ACC maintains the speed chosen by the driver. If the system’s radar detects a slower vehicle within its detection range, it reduces speed by adapting to the car in front. If it speeds or changes lanes, ACC automatically accelerates back to the previous speed set by the driver.
Traffic Jam Assist: Taking advantage of the functions of Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist, TJA allows for easy and controlled driving when the traffic is dense. Thus, the system continuously analyzes the speed of the vehicles around and it compares it with its own speed. If it detects speeds below 56km/h then the vehicle automatically copies the car in front controlling acceleration, brake, and direction of the vehicle as long as on the same lane.
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: When the vehicle is on reverse, it warns about other vehicles coming to the back of the car either from left or right side. We should keep in mind that it doesn’t replace the use of mirrors and looking at both sides when backing the car.
Blind Spot Detection: Looking and checking the mirrors does not always give us a complete image of what happens around our car. This system pays vigilance to safely change lanes. A radar sensor serves as an electronic eye of blind spot detection, thus registering objects in hard to watch areas. Every time that it is necessary to switch lanes or speed up, if there’s danger the vehicle will show a visual sign alert at the side mirror giving time to the driver to safely maneuver.
Intelligent High Beam Assist: When night is coming it recognizes traffic, and adjusts the front lights changing between high and low without having to use the controls of the vehicle. This system will work as long as the lights are in “auto” position, then when it detects a vehicle in front the system will automatically change to low beams. This enables night-time driving safer without the risk of dazzling on-coming traffic.
Intelligent Speed Limit Assist: the vehicle will actively detect the speed limit signs in the road and alert the driver with a symbol in the instrument console. It will remain visible until the driver modifies the speed of the vehicle, or the speed limit in the street changes, generating awareness of speeding excess.
“If the MG Pilot system makes driving simpler in a way, we always have to be responsible for what happens on the road. Even though these safety characteristics have been created to improve driving experience, they do not replace human actions, the focus of drivers, and the respect for other users on the road.”, ends Scheel.
