Bosch Introduces New Parallel Parking Technology

Many drivers have serious parking problems, especially when they are at the beginning of their career behind the wheel. But what if we told you that parallel parking could no longer be that of an issue thanks to a new technology that helps you avoid rear end collisions while backing into a parking spot?

Well, the good news is that Bosch, the renowned automotive parts and systems supplier, has just introduced Park Assist, a rear bumper collision warning system featuring ultrasonic sensors. The bad news is that it works on the same principle as the other similar systems. Therefore, as innovative as Bosch might think it is, it's not.

The system is based on a technology that alerts drivers via sight and sound warnings when the vehicle is approximately five feet away from an obstacle.

"Although drivers must always remain visually alert and on the lookout for people and objects in their path, Bosch Park Assist can be helpful any time we operate a vehicle in reverse," said Kenneth Brom, Park Assist Product Manager for Bosch, in a statement for the press.

"It's like having an extra pair of eyes watching out for you when parallel parking or backing out of a driveway. It alerts you to unseen or difficult-to-see objects you are approaching such as pillars, posts, fences and bicycles as well as the presence of adults or children behind the vehicle," added Brom.

Available as a complete aftermarket kit, the system is ready to install by any qualified mechanic on most vehicles. According to Bosch, each sensor provides a 120-degree field of detection. When maneuvering a vehicle in reverse, the sensors transmit short sound pulses reflected by the approaching objects.

The Bosch Park Assist system is available as a complete aftermarket kit, ready to install on most vehicles. It features an electronic control unit, interior LED display, and four ultrasonic sensors that are integrated into the rear bumper.