Autoblog

Detroit 2009: Ford demos Park Assist system

Chris Shunk — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Technology, Ford

Lexus introduced the first parallel parking system in a production vehicle when it launched the 2007 Lexus LS460. Ford will be second to the game with its new Park Assist system, though the Blue Oval would argue that their system is easier to operate. To use Park Assist, all you need to do is find a spot where you want to park, hit the park assist button behind the shifter, and keep driving until you're prompted to stop and shift into reverse. From there, apply the gas and the brakes while the system steers for you. That's it.

We were able to demo Park Assist in an MKS with Ecoboost, and you can see the motion picture for yourself by clicking play on the video above. The system is smack you on the forehead easy, and it'll be available first on the MKS and MKT this summer.

Detroit 2009: Ford demos Park Assist system originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Parking assist one-upsmanship: New VW system doesn't need driver in car

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 17:27:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Volkswagen, First Drive

The honchos at VW decided that Park Assist (PA) wasn't enough. That's where the car parallel parks itself while you twiddle your thumbs behind the wheel, and when the Fasten Seat Belt sign is extinguished you can get out and go on about your business. The latest development from VW is called Park Assist Vision (PAV), and it will park the car for you in any kind of spot -- parallel or perpendicular -- and you don't even need to be in the car.

A PAV-equipped car is ringed with cameras and ultrasonic sensors, and when you find a spot you want, you select it on a touchscreen. You place the car in "P" and get out if you have that much faith in technology not to scratch your paint. Your remote control keyfob tells the car what to do from then on, and the car parks itself, shuts down and locks itself up, as any happy ~~android~~ car should.

PAV is still in development, but it's a neat idea. It could especially come in handy when trying to slip into one of those ever-shrinking "compact" parking spaces, since it's so hard to get out of the car once you get in the space. Now if they could develop a feature that actually locates available parking spaces for you, we'd be in business.

[Source: Autocar]

Parking assist one-upsmanship: New VW system doesn't need driver in car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Apr 2008 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: VW Shows off the new Touran

Alex Nunez — Wed, 13 Sep 2006 03:01:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen

Later this month in Paris, VW will publicly unveil the latest iteration of its Touran compact MPV. The seven-seater gets a new Passat/Eos-style face that features VW's new grille and headlamp designs. A walk around back reveals a redesigned bumper and new taillamps. It's not the sexiest MPV you'll ever see, but it's clean and appealing to the eye. The refreshed interior incorporates some upgraded materials and adds MP3 support to the stock head uniit. The instrument panel and controls are all logically arranged.

The big news for the '07 Touran is the introduction of Volkswagen's ParkAssist system. It uses sensors fore and aft to help the driver place the car in the optimal position to park and then waits for him or her to engage reverse. Once that happens, the car takes over steering while the driver controls the gas and brake. VW claims that the car will park itself within 15 seconds.

Power-wise, a selection of diesel and gasoline 4-cylinders will be available, including the new 140 hp Twincharger 1.4L TSI.

European MPVs are pretty cool. Yes, they're smaller than the traditional American minivan, but they often have nicer, sportier styling. Consider this: if, for example, Ford was selling the S-Max and Galaxy here instead of the Freestar, would they have axed their minivan program in favor of the Fairlane? Not likely. Ford's Euro MPVs are two of the more stylish people movers you'll find anywhere. People would actually be buying them. (Kudos to Ford, however, for bringing over the Mazda5.)

Will we ever see this VW? Nope, We're getting a machine based on the new Chrysler minivan platform, meaning it'll be big. If we're lucky, however, some of this Touran's understated style will rub off on it.

(Detailed press release, photos after the jump)

[Source: Volkswagen UK]

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Paris Preview: VW Shows off the new Touran originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Sep 2006 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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