39% of all cars newly registered in the Netherlands are fitted with a lane assist system, making our country the leader in the European Union (EU). The use of automatic emergency braking systems is also high in the Netherlands at 45%.
This is according to research by Bosch and Jato Dynamics on the use of so-called 'advanced driver-assistance systems' (ADAS) in Europe. These include parking aids, automatic parking systems, reversing cameras and Lane Assist Systems.
New features and options usually become available first in high-end car models. Interestingly, this is not the case with ADAS. Indeed, Bosch's research shows that compact and mid-size cars tend to be best equipped with such security systems. In Germany, for example, 55% of all newly registered compact and mid-size cars are equipped with at least one parking assistant, such as a reversing camera, parking sensor or parking aid. For high-end car models, the percentage is 25%.
Significant differences between EU member states
Within the EU, considerable differences can be seen between member states in the embrace of ADAS. Looking at parking assistants, for example, France leads the way; 85% of all new vehicles in France are equipped with one. Italy, on the other hand, scores strikingly low at 44%. In the Netherlands, the percentage is 62%, putting our country in fourth position.
The Netherlands also scores high with the use of lane assist systems. 39% of all newly registered vehicles in our country are equipped with such a system, making the Netherlands the leader. Germany and France share second place with both 38%. Italy, with 27%, has the lowest score of all EU member states surveyed.
Automatic emergency braking systems popular in the Netherlands
Automatic emergency braking systems are also popular in the Netherlands. 45% of all new cars in our country are equipped with such a system. This is good news as such systems can save many lives. The UN Economic Commission for Europe estimates that automatic emergency braking systems can already save around 1,000 lives in the European Union (EU) alone on an annual basis.
Only Belgium and Germany score higher; both countries have 54% of newly registered vehicles equipped with an automatic emergency braking system. Italy is again at the bottom of the rankings with 30%.
'Driving assistance systems can save lives'
"More and more car buyers want a vehicle that anticipates and even intervenes in driving movements," says Dr Dirk Hoheisel, Bosch board member. "Driving assistance systems are not only cool gadgets that make driving more enjoyable, they can also save lives."
A requirement to equip new vehicles with ADAS is currently being worked on in the European Union. This obligation will only apply to new vehicles; there will be no obligation to equip existing vehicles with such systems. It is expected that by 2022, every new vehicle on the road in the EU will be fitted with ADAS; the EU Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee recently voted to introduce this requirement. This is seen as an important step towards passing this legislation.
'Introduction comes too soon'
However, the European automotive industry association ACEA believes this requirement is coming too soon. The organisation calls the safety measures important, but feels that the time between the announcement of this obligation and its introduction is too short. ACEA advocates making this period at least 36 months to give manufacturers enough time to comply with the obligation.
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
Source: Bosch
Source: ACEA
