Park Assist is a system designed to aid drivers when parking. It allows you to drive safely into or out of a parking space automatically. It was first installed on the Toyota Prius in 2003.
Branded systems installed on different makes of car
- Toyota and Lexus – Intelligent Parking Assist System (IPAS) and Advanced Parking Guidance System (APGS)
- Volkswagen – Park Assist or Park Assist Vision
- Ford and Mercedes-Benz – Active Park Assist
- Opel – Advanced Park Assist
- Audi – Parking System plus
- BMW – Remote Park Assist System
- Jeep – ParkSense
- KIA – Smart Parking Assistant System (SPAS)
Operating principle
The system works with the engine control unit (ECU), the automatic transmission, the traction control system, and the electromechanical power steering. The driver can activate this using the appropriate button. Pressing the indicator selects a parking side. Ultrasonic sensors then search for a safe trajectory. Their range is 4.5 metres, while the number of sensors varies depending on the vehicle.
The system evaluates the distance to the nearest obstacles and defines a possible parking space. The length needs to be the length of the car body plus 1 additional metre. When a space has been found, a corresponding signal is transmitted to the ECU and then to the steering control system. Warning sounds alert the driver and the car’s path and instructions are displayed on the dashboard.
The manoeuvre is performed automatically: the driver only needs to use the pedals and select the speed of the automatic transmission: D and R. If the driver intervenes or the steering is adjusted, the system switches off.
Remote parking control is offered as an option for premium BMW and Mercedes-Benz models. The driver can leave the car before the manoeuvre starts.
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