Reversing display puts safety first

The safety camera is activated by the reverse gear allowing the driver to see what is behind the vehicle. Photo / Supplied

More cars, vans and trucks are likely to be fitted with life-saving reversing cameras thanks to new technology now available in New Zealand that meets stringent vehicle design rules.

Recent accidents involving cars backing over children in driveways and workers caught by manoeuvring commercial vehicles has raised concern about how to reduce the danger during reversing.

Now, a number of car companies are looking to fit a unique replacement rear-view mirror, which links to a reversing camera in vehicles that don't currently have this feature.

The mirror displays a 9cm screen showing what is behind the vehicle when reverse gear is engaged, enabling the driver to see if children, adults, pets or objects are in the "danger" zone. It works in the same way as similar mirrors/cameras that are available as original equipment on a small number of new cars recently introduced to New Zealand. But it differs from after-market accessory reversing cameras/displays because the new mirror display meets the requirements of applicable Australian Design Rules, which makes it acceptable to new vehicle manufacturers. Plus, it looks like an original equipment fitment and, what's more, it incorporates a GPS system, Bluetooth phone connection and a music centre.

It is known as the Pantera Command Centre and has been introduced to New Zealand by leading automotive accessory company Retro Vehicle Enhancements.

"In future most vehicles will come equipped with a reversing camera and a dashboard or mirror display as standard to alert the driver during reversing, but it's what happens in the meantime that concerns me," says Craig Wilson, Sales Manager of Retro Vehicle Enhancements.

"As a parent I want this technology in my car now, and so do other people I have spoken to."

Mr Wilson and his team searched for more than two years to find the technology that would be suited to a wide range of vehicles in New Zealand, eventually coming up with the Pantera Command Centre.

"It's unique," he adds. "It is the only retro-fit system that incorporates a reversing display, a GPS map and Bluetooth phone connector that is acceptable to new car companies because it meets the requirements of ADR Design regulations."

Retro Vehicle Enhancements is negotiating with several car companies to supply these units to go into new cars, probably fitted at the dealership, before the vehicles are delivered to owners. Some fleets are also very interested, including a national campervan rental company. And plans are in hand for a nationwide installation service for owners of existing vehicles.

"Apart from the safety aspect of the reversing camera, the other appealing feature is that car companies can provide a factory-style, in-built GPS map system in a brand new car for a fraction of the cost of an original equipment GPS unit," says Mr Wilson.

"An OE GPS system can add $8000 to the price of a brand new car, largely because of the smaller number of units being fitted and the high cost of the mapping licence.

"Being housed in the rear-view mirror, the Pantera Command Centre fits any car - all that changes is the bracket that fits on to the original windscreen mount and we have those covered."

Mr Wilson says the screen display in the mirror is larger than the display in vehicles with OE reversing camera mirrors and is about the same size as many portable GPS units.

Mr Wilson says there are distinct benefits of having the reversing camera and GPS display in the rear-view mirror.

"The mirror is at natural vision level, without diverting your eyes from the road to look down at a unit in the dashboard," he says.

The suggested retail price of Pantera Command Centre is $1675, including fitting.