Siemens 2007 Annual Report Download - page 78

78 Discontinued Operations
As the volume of road traffi c continues to grow – placing ever greater demands on motorists and techno logy
– our top priority is to optimize driving safety and comfort. That’s why we developed the pro.pilot solution,
a network of driver assistance systems that facilitates routine maneuvers and warns motorists of potentially
dangerous traffi c situations. When accidents do occur, the intelligent systems intervene to mitigate the conse-
quences. Our pro.pilot solution combines features such as adaptive cruise control, traffi c sign and speed limit
recognition and a lane-changing assistant. Our Night Vision system enables drivers to readily detect pedestri-
ans or obstacles in a vehicle’s vicinity even when the surroundings are dark or visibility is poor. Our innova-
tive Intelligent Passive and Active Safety (IPAS) concept networks driver assistance systems with active and
passive vehicle safety systems, facilitating information exchange to boost safety and comfort.
Our portfolio also includes vehicle drive, engine control and emissions management technologies. These
products and systems cut fuel consumption and emissions while boosting vehicle performance. For instance,
the piezo direct injection system that we’ve developed for gasoline and diesel engines reduces fuel consump-
tion by up to 20 percent. We’re making major strides toward emission-free vehicles by developing and pro-
ducing hybrid drives that combine internal combustion engines with electric motors. Information, communi-
cations and multimedia systems are improving the reliability of navigation systems while making it possible
to integrate external devices like mobile phones and MP3 players into vehicles. In the commercial vehicle and
fl eet management sectors, we offer software and hardware solutions for onboard electronics as well as infor-
mation systems and telematics equipment such as digital tachographs and electronic toll collection units.
As a development partner to the motor vehicle industry, we’re a leading supplier of automotive electronics,
which accounts for two-thirds of our sales. More than 90 percent of the innovations installed in today’s
vehicles are based on electronics and software. With annual growth rates of six to seven percent, electronics
is the most attractive segment in the automotive industry.
(1) Effective December 1, 2007, Siemens sold the SV Group to Continental AG (see page 116).
Siemens VDO Automotive (SV)(1)
SV develops products, systems and solutions for passenger and commer-
cial vehicles that enhance safety, comfort, cost-effectiveness and perfor-
mance while cutting emissions and increasing driver awareness via
advanced information and communications systems.
Our advanced driver
assistance systems are
helping reduce the
incidence of traffi c
accidents.
www.siemensvdo.com