• Press area / Press area / News 

MetaSystem, Europe's leading manufacturer of security, safety and information solutions has launched a unique new parking aid system which can be programmed to memorise the position of a towbar and detect obstacles beyond it rather than constantly detecting the towbar as other systems do.

Every week, 300 people are either seriously injured or killed by reversing accidents in the UK. The average cost of reversing accidents is calculated at £469, many of which go unclaimed on insurance policies with drivers preferring to pay the bill rather than lose no claims bonuses.

The new ActivePark4 is a hi-tech parking accessory designed to help drivers avoid minor, yet potentially costly dents as well as improve safety whilst manoeuvring. The system works by creating a detection zone up to 1.5m away - above or below the level of the bumper - to detect obstacles which are out of the driver's line of sight and also go unseen in the 'blind spot' of the vehicle's mirrors. As the obstacle becomes closer, the intensity of the beeps increases until a constant tone sounds when the obstacle is 30cm away from the rear of the vehicle.

The ActivePark4 features four sensors which come in a special compact tabbed housing for discrete fitting to the rear bumper. The ultrasonic waves form the sensors create a solid detection field from the rear bumper to allow obstacles to be detected in a precise and complete way. The sensors can be coloured to blend in with the vehicle?s bodywork without affecting their ability to detect. In addition, the system can be programmed to automatically mute the radio volume for optimum clarity of the audible beep and an optional programmable low setting is possible for smaller vehicles that do not require a wide detection field.

For dealers who wish to exploit the system's unique capabilities and explore new markets, the advanced option of automatically turning off the sensors when the vehicle is hooked up to a caravan or trailer, offers customers the possibility of avoiding irritating constant beeps when reversing as other systems do.

"The unique capabilities of the ActivePark4 mean that it is suitable for most makes and model of vehicles including those fitted with towbars. The sensors come in a special compact housing to ensure they are kept securely in place whilst making installation hassle-free," says Kevin Lynch, Sales Director for MetaSystem UK Limited.

He added, "We are confident that the ActivePark4 will be a huge success as it is the first of its kind available. For dealers who wish to take full advantage of the system's features, the advanced option of automatically turning off the sensors if a trailer or caravan is hooked up, is available for most new models."

The ActivePark4 is part of MetaSystem's range of Park Distance Control systems which include the best selling SR2 Targa number plate mounted sensors and the SR2B two sensor bumper mounted kit.