Audi to offer SmartBeam on new models
Friday, 30 May 2008 17:06
The SmartBeam is designed to cut down repetitive flicking on and off of high beams
Gentex Corporation has announced that its SmartBeam High Headlamp Assist system will be offered this spring on the Audi A4, A5 and Q7 models.
The SmartBeam system will be made available as an option on these cars in the UK and continental Europe in conjunction with Bi-Xenon headlamps.
SmartBeam uses a miniature camera-on-a-chip, combined with algorithmic decision-making to automatically turn a vehicle's high beams 'on' and 'off' according to surrounding traffic conditions.
The system is designed to maximise forward lighting and to eliminate the repetitive task of turning the high beams on and off.
SmartBeam is integrated into Gentex auto-dimming mirrors, which automatically darken to reduce glare from the headlamps of vehicles approaching from the rear.
"Research conducted with drivers in Europe and North America shows a very positive response to SmartBeam and we are very pleased that Audi is offering this active safety technology product on several of its best-selling vehicles," said Enoch Jen, Gentex senior vice president.