Opel Receives Allianz “Genius 2010” Safety Award

Pedestrians and cyclists are difficult to see in the dark and thus often involved in serious accidents, Crede said in his speech. AFL+ adaptive forward lighting optimizes the driver’s range of visibility and illumination of the roadside without blinding oncoming traffic. According to Allianz, the system considerably reduces the risk of accidents at dusk and at night.

Forst accepted the award on behalf of the entire team of engineers who worked on the project. “Opel was the first automaker to bring AFL – the combination of dynamic xenon curve light and static cornering light – to the market back in 2002,” Forst said. “With AFL+, which has been on the Insignia since 2008 and available for the new Astra since last year, we offer the most advanced lighting system in the world. We are of course very pleased with this recognition of our work.”

AFL+ ensures optimum visibility with nine automatic lighting functions. The system features bi-xenon headlamps with variable light beam distribution in width, direction and range for driving in the city, pedestrian areas, on country roads and highways. This is complemented by adverse weather light, dynamic curve light, cornering light, high beam assist and daytime running lights with LEDs. Sensors and software constantly monitor the surroundings, traffic and weather conditions so that the system can activate the appropriate lighting function.

This is the sixth time Allianz has given out the Genius. With this award, the insurance provider honors automotive manufacturers’ commitment to the development of technologies that increase road traffic safety. The annual prize aims to improve public safety awareness and to motivate automakers to optimize their products in this regard. Technologies that have won this award in the past include the electronic stability program ESP, brake assist and tire-pressure control system.

Credits: wilswong