Hyundai Mobis says it’s developed a technology that can prevent rear-end collisions.

The innovation, currently designed for highway driving only, links rear-side radar sensors and front vehicle cameras with Hyundai’s driver-assist technology, Smart Cruise Control, to warn drivers of vehicles approaching too closely from behind, increasing vehicle speed to maintain distance as needed.

The parts-and-service division of Hyundai Motor Co. said the technology builds on rear-end collision prevention features currently in mass production that’s limited to warning signals and seat belt tightening, to add autonomous control that actually prevents a crash. 

In addition to vehicles speeding up on their own to avoid rear-end collisions, Hyundai Mobis said it’s also working on technology for autonomous lane changing to prevent collisions from behind.  

“We will actively protect the safety of mobility users by providing solutions that can intelligently handle not only front-end safety, but also dangerous situations caused by rear vehicles while driving,” said Hyundai Mobis executive vice president and head of the automotive electronics business unit, Jung Soo-kyung.

The acceleration feature, which the company says it expects to be on the market soon, detects vehicles approaching very closely from behind, within about 11 yards or fewer. 

The driver-assist system would issue a warning beep or visual warning on the dash. Then, if the vehicle behind continues to follow too closely, the vehicle would accelerate to open up distance between them as front cameras ensures safe distance on that end.

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