Toyota announced that nearly every new vehicle it sells in America by the end of 2017 will have enhanced driver safety technologies includinf automated braking. This commitment, which also extends to Lexus models, means the firm will have auto-braking capabilities in place nearly four years ahead of the 2022 timeline stipulated in a voluntary agreement signed earlier this month by 20 major automakers. In all, 25 of the 30 existing Toyota and Lexus vehicles will come with automatic emergency braking (AEB) within the next 21 months.
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The AEB tech is part of Toyota Safety Sense/Safety Sense P and Lexus Safety System+ collision mitigation packages currently available as low-cost options on many existing models. In addition to a Pre-Collision System with both pedestrian and vehicle detection capabilities, both incorporate Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with or without Steering Assist and Automatic High Beam control.
“At Toyota, we are committed to creating better ways to move for everyone,” said Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota Motor North America. “High-level driver-assist technologies can do more than help protect people in the event of a crash; they can help prevent some crashes from ever happening in the first place. We are proud to help lead this industry in standardizing these systems and bring automated braking to our customers sooner rather than later.”
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The five vehicles that will not have the full roster of advanced safety features as standard by the end of 2017 include the current Lexus GX, Mirai, 4Runner and 86 (formerly the Scion FR-S) and as well as the Scion iA (the Yaris iA). Toyota will announce specific timing for adding the full package of upgrades to those vehicles at a later date but does note the Mirai and iA currently have a pre-collision system including AEB as standard equipment.
More Safety Technology News…
The 2016 Cadillac CT6 will feature a streaming video rearview camera
The 2016 Kia Soul offers a new Forward Collision Warning system
The all-new 2016 Honda Pilot adds Collision Mitigating Braking to its option roster
