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Autonomous emergency braking systems are part and parcel of many manufacturer's offerings these days, but Volkswagen has become the first brand to offer these safety aids as standard on its commercial vehicle range.
New Caddy, Transporter and Crafter vans ordered from June 1st onwards feature Front Assist with City Emergency Braking, technology that is said to reduce rear-end collisions by nearly 40 per cent.
Thatcham Research claim that autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems have the potential to save over 100 lives and prevent 120,000 casualties over the next ten years, figures that also have a positive effect on the contentious issue of insurance. Indeed, AEB technology has been proven to cut third party insurance claims by 45 per cent, while vehicles fitted with these systems tend to have premiums that are 10 per cent cheaper than vehicles without AEB.
Peter Shaw of Thatcham Research commented: "Volkswagen is a trailblazer and should be applauded for being the first manufacturer to fit AEB as standard on all its vans in the UK. The truth is that we are seeing a year on year rise in deaths and serious injuries involving vans which this technology can help to avoid. It is shocking that AEB, a proven lifesaving technology, has not been widely available to van owners or drivers until now. We call upon all vehicle manufacturers to follow Volkswagen's lead, and fit AEB as standard across all their light commercial vehicles as soon as possible."