Valeo have introduced a new front-end module (FEM) called Safe4U, which reduces the severity of pedestrian injury by 20 to 40%.
The new module is equipped with an active pedestrian detection system using radar placed above the upper crosspiece and two cameras, one on each side of the bumper, which can distinguish a pedestrian from other hazards.
Once the radar indentifies the risk of collision, two actuators release the upper crosspiece from its supports within 100 milliseconds. This enables the upper part of the front end to swing back, thus confining the maximum force and spreading it over a longer distance. This significantly reduces the severity of pedestrian injury. If an impact does not take place, the actuators move back into position and reconstitute the front end.
The new FEM is made of energy-absorbing materials which enable to optimise the protection of the vehicle occupants and pedestrians. The new product meets the new European Pedestrian Impact Phase II standard, which will become effective in Europe by 2010.