But BMW may beat GM to market with a system that can identify signs.
BMW say they will release its system later this year, but company sources decline to name their supplier or specify which model will first boast the new system.
GM’s camera system will be available on Insignias from spring 2009. The midsize Opel Insignia will be unveiled at the London auto show next month and will go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2008.
GM’s front camera system was jointly developed by Opel and Hella. The camera detects lane markings and signs alongside the road, taking 30 pictures a second. According to GM, the system even prioritizes do-not-pass signs over speed limit signs.
BMW’s system also displays road signs, either in the instrument panel or on the head-up display. BMW already has lane-departure warning and soon will add blind-spot recognition.