HELLA Brings Radar Systems To Volume Segments

Fourth generation 24GHz radar sensor to begin series production in mid-2017

Lippstadt /PRNewswire/ - Driver assistance systems prevent accidents and provide increased safety for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Driver assistance radar technology that has been standard in premium segments is now entering higher volume vehicle segments as costs are lowered.

HELLA, an auto industry electronics and lighting expert, is a leader in 24GHz automotive radar for rear applications. The company will launch production of its fourth generation 24GHz radar sensors in mid-2017, replacing third-generation radar sensors that have been in series production since June of 2014.

HELLA's latest generation radar system offers an increased level of integration in a 25 percent smaller package and with improved measuring capacity. Costs for the new unit also were dropped without limiting the number of assistance applications offered, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assistance, rear pre-crash alert, a rear cross-traffic alert and vehicle exit assistant.

"With radar-based driver-assistance systems, many accidents can be avoided," said Dr. Dietmar Stapel, head of HELLA's driver assistance systems. "But in order to do this, they need to be more widely implemented, not only in premium segments but also in high-volume segments. By focusing on cost reduction and the development of additional applications, we were able to make this technology attractive for high-volume segments."

With more than nine million sensors produced for use in 125 models from 11 different car manufacturers, HELLA has established itself as a major supplier of 24GHz sensor solutions in the automotive market.

"We are also looking at 77GHz technology," Stapel added. "Despite higher costs and higher sensitivity, 77GHz provides much better distance resolution with a bandwith that is five times greater than 24GHz systems."

Note to editors: This text and related photo material can be found in HELLA's press database at: www.hella.com/press

HELLA KGaA Hueck & Co., Lippstadt: HELLA is a global, family-owned company, listed on the stock exchange, with around 32,000 employees at 100 locations in more than 35 countries. The HELLA Group develops and manufactures lighting, electronic components and systems for the automotive industry. HELLA also has one of the largest trade organizations for automotive parts, accessories, diagnostics, and services within Europe. Complete vehicle modules, air-conditioning systems, and vehicle electrical systems are also produced in joint venture companies. With more than 6,000 people working in research and development, HELLA is one of the most important innovation drivers on the market. In addition, with preliminary sales of approx. 5.8 billion euros in fiscal year 2014/2015, the HELLA Group is one of the top 40 automotive parts suppliers in the world and one of the 100 largest German industrial companies.