ALV's Night Vision Cam in Mercedes S-Class
Autoliv Inc. (ALV), a leading provider of automotive safety systems, announced the introduction of third generation night vision system – Night Vision Fusion System. This high definition (HD) dual-infrared camera system has superior pedestrian and animal detection capability. It will be featured in Daimlers AG’s (DDAIF) Mercedes’ new S-Class sedan.
The Night Vision Fusion System’s dual-infrared camera system combines the benefits of far infrared and near infrared cameras; thus providing an enhanced level of safety and comfort while driving during the night. The near infrared camera, which is placed behind the windshield, provides HD vision of the road with the help of the reflection from an infrared lamp. The far infrared camera, with the heat emission detection system, helps in detecting heat radiation from pedestrians and animals at a distance that is four times than the reach of vehicle headlights.
After detection of any pedestrian or animal, the technology will highlight them on the in-dash screen. If a collision is predicted, then drivers will be notified by audible and visual alerts and the brakes will be prefilled.
Over the years, Autoliv has focused on providing safety to individuals. Autoliv recently announced the development of a new adaptable seatbelt. This unique offering is expected to provide better safety by adapting to the passenger’s size.
Autoliv’s new seatbelt retractor adjusts its restraining force according to the passenger’s size (children or adults) and the crash severity. The belt does not use any sensor for this. For adults, the seatbelt webbing is released softly after the crash, thus reducing the rebound effect and providing additional safety to the full-sized passengers. The new seatbelt provides load limiting and pretensioners simultaneously, thus reducing the pressure on the neck.
Autoliv has a stable market share in both airbag modules and seat belts in North America, Europe and Asia. The company has continuously expanded in low-cost countries, including Romania and China, in order to meet local demand. However, we are concerned about significant customer concentration risks as the company’s top-five represents about 54% of sales.
Currently, Autoliv retains a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). In the same industry, Magna International Inc. (MGA) and American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc. (AXL), both carrying a Zacks Rank # 1 (Strong Buy), are worth a look at the moment.
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