Valeo's valet parking
Tier One supplier uses sensors and smartphones to park vehicles remotely
James Scoltock in News.
- Published in News.
Tight squeeze: Valeo's remote parking system requires a space of 40cm on either side
Tier one supplier Valeo has developed a remotely controlled park assist system which could be in production by 2014.
Based on Valeo's Park4U system, it uses wireless technology to connect with an application on the customer's smartphone so drivers can park their vehicle without the need to be behind the wheel.
Valeo said: “The system uses the same basic sensor technology as Park4U, and the data exchange takes place over the CANbus network. The only difference is that it can only be used with an automatic transmission.”
Valeo's system can scan for a parking space at speeds of up to 30km/h. When a space is found the driver can step out of the car and use an application on their smartphone to parallel or perpendicular park their vehicle.
The system has been designed so it can be synchronised with both Apple OS and Android devices.
While Valeo states there are few technological challenges to launching the technology, societal changes will have to be addressed – should there be an accident without the driver in the vehicle who is responsible.
“It won't go in to production today or tomorrow, or even next year, but it is safe top say that given current vehicle production cycles three to four years is probably a good indication as to when the system could come to he market,” said Valeo.
Valeo's current park assist technology is used on vehicles including the Audi A6 sedan, A7 coupe and VW Touran SUV. But OEMs, such as BMW, are researching remote systems.
Hands free: The system can be used with both Apple OS and Android smartphones
