VW adds safety system to new vans

Volkswagen, which supplies base vehicles used to make campervans and motorhomes, is to become the first commercial vehicle brand to fit all its vans with autonomous emergency braking systems (Front Assist with City Emergency Braking).

Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems are one of the most significant developments in vehicle safety in recent years.

Vehicles fitted with autonomous braking systems have an average insurance premium reduction of 10% compared to those that don’t.

Using a radar built into the front end of the van, Front Assist recognises critical distances to the vehicle in front and helps to ensure safe stopping. In any dangerous situations, Front Assist reacts in two stages: in the first it warns the driver with audible and visual signals of any vehicle in front driving slowly or suddenly braking. In parallel it gets the vehicle ready for emergency braking – by applying the brake pads and alerting the brake assistant. If the driver fails to react to the warning, a one-off short jolt of the brake indicates in the second stage the looming danger of a collision and the brake assistant’s responsiveness is further increased.

If the driver then hits the brakes, full braking power is immediately available. If the driver does not brake strongly enough, Front Assist increases the braking pressure to the required level, so that the vehicle comes to a stop before reaching the obstacle.

The system also includes the City Emergency Braking function, which provides assistance at speeds under 18mph. If the driver fails to see or react to an obstacle, the system automatically applies the brakes and ensures that the speed of any collision is reduced. Ideally, it completely prevents the vehicle from running into the obstacle.

Head of Marketing at VW, Sarah Cox, said: “We’re really proud to be the first to fit AEB as standard to all our vans. This means safer vehicles on our roads, leading to fewer accidents, lower costs for operators and potentially fewer lives lost: what could be more important?”

Peter Shaw, Chief Executive at Thatcham Research, added: “Volkswagen is a trailblazer and should be applauded for being the first manufacturer to fit AEB as standard on all its vans in the UK.  The truth is that we are seeing a year on year rise in deaths and serious injuries involving vans, which this technology can help to avoid.”

Learn about the 2018 VW Crafter-based Westfalia campervan here

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