Technology
ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme)
Stopping accidents before they happen
In everyday driving, critical driving conditions can occur. A change in road surface caused by bad weather, a need to swerve abruptly to avoid an obstacle, or a tight bend can all result in loss of control of the vehicle. In these situations, not even the most experienced driver can react as quickly as ESP does.
How does it work?
Volkswagen's Electronic Stabilisation Programme is an impressive active safety feature which can help to prevent an accident by registering and helping to correct oversteer, understeer and loss of stability in the vehicle. Networking all braking components, the fully automated system intelligently controls the engine management system to restore traction to individual wheels when it detects loss of grip - evenly decelerating the car during hard braking. In an emergency stop, it instantly calculates the exact amount of braking pressure required for safe stopping – proving itself a major contributor to the all-round safety of the car and its occupants.
What’s the result?
Current research in road safety has revealed that ESP, after the seat belt, is a very important lifesaver in road traffic, reducing the risk of skidding by approximately 85%. The results achieved by Volkswagen Accident Research indicate that this is one important factor that enables ESP to save the lives of approximately 800 people per year.
ESP + Trailer Stabilisation
Another Volkswagen ESP extension is already being used: the trailer stabilisation in the Touareg. With its 3500 kilograms of trailer load (braked), the off-road vehicle by Volkswagen is regarded as an ideal towing vehicle. Thanks to a software extension, the ESP + trailer stabilisation now available ensures that the dreaded body roll of the trailer is detected at an early stage and curtailed by means of specific brake and engine intervention.
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