A significant leap forward in driver assistance technology is on the horizon for vehicles underpinned by Volkswagen's widely utilized Modularer Querbaukasten (MQB) platform. This advancement is made possible through a newly forged strategic alliance between automotive technology giants Valeo and Mobileye, setting the stage for the integration of a significantly enhanced Level 2+ semi-autonomous driving system. Anticipated to be rolled out within the coming years, this collaborative effort promises to elevate both the safety and comfort levels experienced by drivers and passengers in Volkswagen's high-volume vehicle offerings. This development is poised to yield substantial benefits for both consumers and the automaker, primarily through the implementation of a more streamlined procurement process across Volkswagen's diverse portfolio of brands. This consolidated approach is expected to translate into reduced manufacturing costs and a simplification of the overall production complexity, while simultaneously equipping customers with access to a more sophisticated suite of advanced driver assistance features.
Given that the comprehensive system is still in the developmental pipeline and some time away from reaching the market, specific details regarding its functionalities remain somewhat limited at this juncture. However, the partnering companies have provided a glimpse into the capabilities that future users can anticipate. These include the convenience of hands-free driving on specifically designated and approved sections of highways, a sophisticated traffic jam assist feature designed to alleviate the stress of congested driving conditions, an advanced parking assist system to simplify maneuvering in tight spaces, and a comprehensive 360-degree emergency assist system aimed at mitigating potential hazards and enhancing overall safety. These core features will be complemented by robust hazard detection capabilities and future-proofing elements, such as support for augmented reality displays that can overlay crucial information onto the driver's field of vision. While the specifics of the augmented reality integration are currently somewhat general, the overarching implication is that the system will offer eyes-on, hands-off driving functionality on select roadways, potentially at speeds of up to 81 miles per hour (or 130 kilometers per hour). This capability is expected to be further augmented by automatic lane change functionality, designed to make long journeys even more relaxed and less demanding on the driver.
The sophisticated array of features will be enabled by a comprehensive “360-degree ring” of strategically positioned cameras, radar sensors, and other advanced sensors that will provide a complete and detailed understanding of the vehicle's surrounding environment. These sensors will be seamlessly integrated with Mobileye's cutting-edge Surround ADAS platform, which serves as the central processing hub for the system. Powering this platform will be the high-performance EyeQ 6 High processor, along with advanced mapping technologies that provide precise location data and road information. This collaboration marks a significant milestone as it represents the first instance of all these critical components being integrated into a unified and cohesive system. The companies involved have highlighted that this integrated approach will lead to the consolidation of multiple Electronic Control Units (ECUs) into a more centralized unit. This consolidation is anticipated to yield improvements in both the overall efficiency of the system and its performance capabilities, paving the way for a more seamless and responsive driving experience.