The assistants

The assistants (graphic)

At first sight they are mostly invisible, but in the last few decades electrical and electronic systems have played an important role in making the automobile safer and more comfortable. The Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche brands have often pioneered these advances.

Electric cabriolet hood assistant (graphic)

1973

Electric cabriolet hood assistant

A comfort feature that caused quite a stir: the Porsche 911’s cabriolet hood no longer needed to be opened and closed by hand. A simple push of a button was now all that was required.

Antiblocking system (graphic)

1980

Antiblocking system

A milestone along the way to more active safety: the Group’s first antiblocking system was fitted in an Audi 200. Known widely nowadays by its abbreviation ABS, it has kept drivers in control when braking ever since.

Electronic stability control (graphic)

1997

Electronic stability control

Audi pioneered quattro technology and was the first to install the Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. The system stabilized the A8 through targeted braking of one or more wheels.

Proximity control assistant (graphic)

2002

Proximity control assistant

This assistant, also known as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), was first introduced in the Phaeton. Today, it helps maintain sufficient distance from the vehicle in front, and features in almost all of the Volkswagen Group’s model series.

Lane change assist (graphic)

2005

Lane change assist

The Audi Side Assist system was first introduced in the Audi Q7. An LED warning signal appeared in the external mirror if there was a risk of a collision with another vehicle when a driver was about to change lanes. Radar sensors cover the driver’s blind spot.

Parallel parking assistance “Park Assist” (graphic)

2007

Parallel parking assistance “Park Assist”

The parallel parking assistance “Park Assist” not only warns the driver about obstacles when parking; it also takes over the necessary steering maneuvers. It first appeared in the Touran and is now making life easier for drivers of nearly all Volkswagen models.

Heading control “Lane Assist” (graphic)

2008

Heading control “Lane Assist”

One in seven accidents resulting in injury is caused by vehicles leaving their lane. The heading control “Lane Assist” was first introduced in the Passat CC, automatically countersteering the car if the system recognized the vehicle was in danger of leaving its lane.

Emergency braking system (graphic)

2009

Emergency braking system

The Emergency Brake Assist system is a further development of the emergency braking system. First installed in the Audi A8, it recognizes the imminent risk of a collision and can immediately apply the brakes at full force in the event of an emergency.

Masked high beam “Dynamic Light Assist” (graphic)

2010

Masked high beam “Dynamic Light Assist”

The masked high beam “Dynamic Light Assist” made its first appearance in the Touareg, enabling drivers to use the high beam continuously without dazzling oncoming drivers. A camera detects traffic and automatically dips the high beam for vehicles ahead and oncoming drivers.

Active rear-axle steering assistant (graphic)

2013

Active rear-axle steering assistant

The steering angle of the Porsche 911 Turbo’s rear wheels is determined by its speed. This results in greater maneuverability at slow speeds and increases driving stability at high speeds.

Traffic Jam Assist (graphic)

2014

Traffic Jam Assist

Traffic Jam Assist makes driving in stop-start traffic less stressful by maintaining the distance to the preceding vehicle. The system helps prevent typical rear-end collisions. It keeps the vehicle within its lane, and brakes and accelerates nearly automatically.

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Laurin Paschek