Tag Archives: airbag

NEWS

ZF wants to fit screen on steering wheels

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Vehicle manufacturers today are placing increasing numbers of screens in their cars, some with up to three or four screens.

This time, ZF will ‘join in’ on the addition of screens in vehicles. The latest design, called ZF Lifetec, will have a screen on the steering wheel. The airbag is retained but it does not deploy from the center, instead from the top of the steering wheel.

In this way, it will provide space in the middle of the steering wheel for a ‘smartphone-like display’, says ZF. The company is considering placing the screen in the center or multiple displays.

This provides more freedom for manufacturers to design steering wheels without compromising safety.

The team behind this project explains that it doesn’t necessarily have to be a full screen in the steering wheel area. It could also be a mixed configuration like several physical buttons.

The space in the middle of the steering wheel also allows engineers to place additional sensors in cars equipped with autonomous driving systems. Such sensors can determine whether you are paying attention to driving or not.

What if an accident occurs when our hands are at the 12 o’clock position? Ideally, our hands should be at 9 and 3 or 10 and 2.

Some argue that we are not Formula One drivers who need to adjust various settings on the steering wheel while driving. Others say that engineers should focus on other aspects rather than redesigning the steering wheel.

With the instrument display in front of the steering wheel and infotainment on the center console, it seems like we already have plenty of screens. What do you think of this?

NEWS

Volkswagen recalls 6,671 cars in Malaysia over Takata airbag issue

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VOLKSWAGEN Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has issued a recall involving 6,671 vehicles manufactured between 2010 and 2014 following a Takata airbag safety issue.

This recall campaign involves six Volkswagen models, namely the sixth-generation Golf GTI, Eos, Passat CC, Polo, Beetle, and Vento, which are equipped with a specific driver front airbag gas generator housing.

According to VPCM, the concern with the front driver airbag housing generator is caused by deterioration of the generator’s propellant due to high air humidity and temperature fluctuations over a long period of time. This could lead to potential injury on the driver and passenger.

In an official statement, the company said that they have taken the necessary steps with its dealer partners to ensure parts availability and that the recall is conducted smoothly and efficiently. The nationwide recall will be carried out in phases to manage the number of cases.

“All notifications to identified owners, based on the Volkswagen database will be conducted by email and WhatsApp, and customers who purchased the vehicle from a previous owner or a used car dealership are advised to urgently contact the nearest Volkswagen authorised dealer for verification,” it said.

Should parts replacement be required in the event of parts replacement, all labour and replacement parts for this service will be at no cost to owners, the company added.

Owners may visit https://www.volkswagen.com.my/volkswagen-service/repair-and-service/service-action and key in their 17-digit VIN number which can be found at the bottom left of their vehicle’s windscreen.