Opel Insignia Gets Camera System that Reads Signs and Alerts Drivers

The new Opel Insignia that’s set to go on sale in Europe later this year will be offered with an optional dual-function camera that not only reads speed limit and no-overtaking signs and displays them on the instrument panel, but also alerts drivers when they unintentionally veer out of their lane.

Called “Front Camera System”, it utilizes a front mounted high-resolution camera located between the windscreen and the rear-view mirror that can take 30 pictures per second along with two signal processors that filter and read the photos. -Continued

Depending on light conditions, the system’s Traffic Sign Recognition function begins to repeatedly read signs at 100 metres. When a match is found in the car’s software, the sign is displayed in the instrument panel; it will even prioritise a no-overtaking sign over a speed limit warning sign.

When the Lane Departure Warning function is turned on, the system uses a second signal processor and software to read traffic lanes and record a driver’s normal lane-changing behaviour, taking into account steering input and indicator usage. If the system detects any deviation from the road, then an audible and visual warning is sent from the instrument panel in order to prevent preventing any hazardous situations.

Video: 2009 Opel Insignia, and Possibly, the 2010 Saturn Aura

If you liked what you saw from the pictures that were released a couple of days ago, then you’ll be happy to know that Opel’s new mid-size sedan looks even better in this official promo video. The Insignia, that will replace the Vectra in Opel’s range and hopefully, the Aura in Saturn’s line-up, will go on sale in Europe this fall where it will be offered with a choice of seven diesel and gasoline engines. –Video after the jump

Geneva Video: Opel Meriva Concept & Agila Minicar

GM Europe’s Chief Marketing Officer Alain Visser, talks about Opel’s Geneva Motor Show stars, the Meriva Concept (see here) with its rear-hinged rear doors and the all-new Agila minicar (click here) that will be launched shortly in the European market. The video includes shots from both vehicles at Opel’s Geneva Show booth. –Video right after the jump

Video: Car Spy Photographer Snaps The Opel Insignia

Ever wonder how car spy photographers make a living? Well, if you do, don’t expect to find out from this video. This is a promotional film from Opel featuring a spy photographer goofing around in order to ensure some exclusive shots of the brand new Opel/Vauxhall Insignia that will premiere at the London Motor Show in July 2, 2008. Last time I tried to play “scoop-photographer” during a media presentation in Europe, a bunch of aggravated security-guards caught me in action and deleted all my precious pics -or at least they thought they did…