System Grading
The systems score points in each of the protocols outlined above. Some protocols contribute a greater score than others. The score in the first two areas of assessment – Driver Engagement and Vehicle Assistance – are compared and the poorer score contributes to the total. The ‘balancing’ of these two areas reiterates the 2018 campaign which showed that good performance in one area is not helpful unless it is accompanied by good performance in the other. The poorer of the scores is added to the score from Safety Backup to give a total. The total scores are then divided into the following gradings:
What do the gradings mean?
An Entry vehicle assistance system typically provides assistance in the less challenging scenarios and comprises only a basic ACC and Lane Centering system, with no additional features. Or, the system’s performance in Assistance Competence is highly unbalanced between Driver Engagement and Vehicle Assistance. The safety back-up is limited.
ACC and Lane Centering generally perform well in the less challenging scenarios but the system has a better performing safety back-up compared to Entry-graded vehicles. Unbalanced vehicles with a good safety back-up also end up in this category.
Both ACC and Lane Centering perform well in most situations and the system keeps the driver engaged. Good systems also contain some extra features to provide the driver more assistance and provide a good safety back-up.
Vehicles graded Very Good are state-of-the-art ACC and Lane Centering systems with additional functions to support the driver and keep him engaged. These vehicles also provide a high-level safety back-up in challenging scenarios, utilizing the extended sensor set these vehicles are equipped with.