Audi 2008 Annual Report Download - page 155

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perform this routine task, the high-beam assistant ensures that the road ahead is better illumi-
nated; it also helps avoid dazzling other motorists unintentionally.
10 years of accident research promoting road safety
In November 1998, AUDI AG launched the Audi Accident Research Unit (AARU), a research part-
nership with Regensburg University Hospital and the Bavarian Ministry of the Interior that inves-
tigates the events leading up to an accident. Since then, the goal of the project, which is entirely
financed by AUDI AG, has been to improve overall traffic safety and to further develop the safety
equipment of current and future Audi models. In addition to conducting technical and medical
accident analyses, particular attention is paid to psychological aspects. This information is then
used to shed light on a driver’s responses and subjective perceptions in the pre-crash phase, and
facilitate the development of efficient driver assistance systems all the way back in the project
development phase.
Active safety systems to help prevent accidents
One example of how findings of the Audi Accident Research Unit (AARU) have filtered through
to the latest models is the radar-supported Audi side assist system, which first appeared in the
Audi Q7. Studies made by accident researchers established that when changing lanes, drivers
not only tend to overlook vehicles in the blind spot but in particular fail to notice cars approach-
ing from behind or underestimate how quickly these are traveling. Audi side assist was therefore
conceived to not only detect vehicles in the blind spot, but also to detect those approaching
from behind at high speeds. A signal lights up on the outside rearview mirror to warn the driver
whenever the sensors identify such situations.
The Audi brand also offers a wide variety of other safety and convenience systems to support
the driver in the task of driving. Certain systems are designed to tackle accidents at the source.
For instance, Audi lane assist alerts the driver should his car inadvertently drift out of its lane.
Another option available on Audi models is the adaptive cruise control (ACC) system, which
regulates the distance to a preceding vehicle detected by the radar sensor by means of con-
trolled braking and acceleration. If the vehicle in front brakes abruptly, Audi braking guard is
activated. This system initially warns the driver by means of visible and audible signals and
then, if need be, briefly but forcefully applies the brakes to prompt the driver to brake the
car if necessary.
EMPLOYEE MATTERS
Workforce
2008 2007
Audi Group, average for the year 57,533 53,347
of which:
AUDI AG 46,089 44,698
Ingolstadt plant 32,603 31,369
Neckarsulm plant 13,486 13,329
AUDI BRUSSELS S.A./N.V. 2,134 –
AUDI HUNGARIA MOTOR Kft. 5,925 5,623
Lamborghini Group 1) 989 933
VOLKSWAGEN GROUP ITALIA S.P.A. 2) 894 900
1) excluding VOLKSWAGEN GROUP ITALIA S.P.A. and VOLKSWAGEN GROUP FIRENZE S.P.A.
2) excluding VOLKSWAGEN GROUP FIRENZE S.P.A.
The Audi Group employed an average of 57,533 (53,347) people in the 2008 fiscal year.