Park Assist is a system that helps the driver to park . This allows you to safely drive into or out of a parking space. It was installed on the Toyota Prius for the first time in 2003.
Brand systems installed in different car brands
- Toyota and Lexus – Intelligent Parking Assist System (IPAS) and Advanced Parking Guidance System (APGS), as well as
- Volkswagen – Park Assist or Park Assist Vision, as well as
- Ford and Mercedes-Benz – Active Park Assist, as well as
- Opel – Advanced Park Assist, as well as
- Audi – Parking System plus, as well as
- BMW – Remote parking assistant, as well as
- Jeep – ParkSense, as well as
- KIA – Smart Parking Assistant System (SPAS)
Functional principle
This system works with the engine control unit, automatic transmission, traction control system and electromechanical power steering. The driver can activate the system using the corresponding button. A parking page is displayed by pressing the direction indicator. The ultrasonic sensors then search for a safe route. The range is 4.5 meters, while the number of sensors varies depending on the vehicle.
With the help of this system, the distance to the nearest obstacles can be evaluated and a possible parking space can be determined. The length must be the length of the vehicle body plus one meter. Once a spot is found, the system sends a signal to the engine control unit and then to the steering system. The driver is warned with sounds and the driving route and instructions are displayed on the dashboard.
Parking is automatic: it is enough for the driver to press the pedals and set the speed of the automatic transmission: D and R As soon as the driver intervenes or the steering is actuated, the system switches off.
A remote parking assistant is available as an option for the premium models from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The driver can exit the vehicle before parking begins.