Opel Eye System Gets Euro NCAP Award

During a press conference held in Paris these days, German automaker Opel was honored with a first-ever safety award for its Opel Eye system by Euro NCAP, the consumer safety organization. The “Euro NCAP Advanced Reward” was received on behalf of Opel by Rita Forst, Vice President of Opel/Vauxhall Engineering.

The Opel Eye system has been recognized for the safety benefit of the lane departure warning function, not to mention helping drivers avoid costly speeding tickets. Located between the windshield and the rear-view mirror, it warns drivers if their car inadvertently veers out of a lane, while also recognizing traffic signs.

“We would like to thank Euro NCAP for this reward. It is recognition that the Opel Eye is one more example of a technical solution from Opel which makes driving easier and safer,” Forst said.

Euro NCAP Advanced complements Euro NCAP’s existing star rating scheme on adult occupant, pedestrian protection, child safety and safety assist systems.

“Opel was chosen because the brand could credibly demonstrate how the Opel Eye saves lives,” stated Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary General of Euro NCAP. “Euro NCAP Advanced was particularly impressed with the Opel Eye because it is both life-saving and affordable.”

The Opel Eye is available on all Insignia and Astra models, including the Astra Sports Tourer, which celebrates its world premiere at Paris.

The Opel Eye has two functions. The Lane Departure Warning alerts drivers when they unintentionally leave their lane. This helps prevent a dangerous situation, such as when a driver falls asleep at the wheel. The system warns the driver with an acoustic signal and a blinking icon on the instrument panel.

The Traffic Sign Recognition on the Opel Eye reads speed limit and no-passing signs and displays them as a symbol in the center of the instrument panel.