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Hitachi’s advanced driver assistance system used in Mitsubishi’s eK Series

Hitachi Automotive Systems says its advanced driver assistance system’s electronic control unit was selected for use in Mitsubishi Motors’ eK Series vehicles.

The eK series refers to three models: the eK Wagon, eK Custom and eK Space.

The eK Series now comes with “improved preventative safety functions” and is a mini vehicle that went on sale recently. 

Hitachi’s ADAS ECU is an integrated control for all the functions of numerous advanced driving support systems, such as the adaptive cruise control system, the autonomous emergency braking system, the lane departure warning system, and other functions, within a single controller.

Hitachi Automotive Systems says it developed the ADAS ECU in 2007 based on the drive control technology accumulated through approximately 40 years of developing market performing engine control units.

Hitachi’s engine control unit
Hitachi’s engine control unit: A controller that, when controlling the engine using supporting electrical devices, controls those parts and devices.

And, from 2009, the ECU has been equipped on numerous mass-produced models.

At this time, Mitsubishi Motors has decided to equip their eK Series with the ADAS ECU, “acknowledging its high market evaluations”, says Hitachi.

As a standard feature, Mitsubishi Motors’ eK Series is equipped with autonomous emergency braking systems that reduce damage or avoid collisions with alarms and automatic breaks whenever there is a danger of collision with preceding vehicles or pedestrians.

Also, in addition to the AEB system that prevents collisions and the already existing erroneous start prevention feature (when driving forward), advanced driving systems such as collision mitigation avoidance assistance for drivers who accidentally press the accelerator pedal instead of the brake pedal, with added capabilities for driving in reverse or avoiding pedestrians (when driving forward), are equipped on all models.

These vehicles are aimed at elderly drivers and equipped with advanced technology that supports safe driving. They meet the nationally recommended new safety concept of “Safety Support Car S Basic Plus”.

Also, the upper model with standard equipment is also equipped with the LDW system that displays a warning light on the driver’s meter and warning sounds to the driver in the case of an unintentional lane departure, and meets the “Support Car S Wide”.

Hitachi Automotive Systems is supporting these Support Car S vehicles’ preventative safety functions with ADAS ECU technology, and moving forward, will continue contributing to preventing traffic accidents caused by drivers including the elderly and accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists.

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