As we creep closer towards the 2015 New York International Auto Show, Chevrolet is continuing to tease its upcoming 2016 Malibu. So far, we have seen a silhouette of the vehicle, giving us a basic outline of what we can expect in terms of design, but today Chevrolet is focusing on safety technology for the Malibu.
Previously, we reported Chevrolet will introduce 25 news technologies this year, with each of them debuting on the upcoming five models the brand is unveiling. It seems we have our first look at the newest tech feature for the 2016 Malibu in form of the Teen Driver Safety Technology. The technology will be the first of its kind for Chevrolet, and has been designed to keep parents at ease when sending their teen drivers out on the roads.
Chevrolet sees their Teen Driver system as a tool to help coach teenagers into responsible driving habits, even when a parent isn’t present in the car. The system employs a few features to ensure safety is a priority while a novice driver is behind the wheel.
First, a parent enables the system by creating a PIN in the MyLink system for the 2016 Malibu, which allows them to register their teen’s key fob. After that, any time that register key fob is detected, Teen Driver will be activated to the parent’s preset settings
The parent is able to control a few very important things through Teen Driver. The system will mute the radio and sound system, including any external media devices, until every occupant has buckled their seat belt in the car. The radio may also be preset to a lower maximum volume for less distractions behind the wheel.
If equipped, the Teen Driving system will also automatically turn on any optional safety equipment such as forward collision alert, front and rear park assist, side blind zone alert and more.
Most importantly, the Teen Driving system can be set to a maximum speed while the registered key fob is piloting the car. Parents can select a max speed between 45 mph and 75 mph, and upon exceeding the set limiter, an audible message displays informing the teen he or she has passed the max speed. Until they slow down, a chime will continue to ring inside the cabin, most likely similar to a seatbelt chime.
After the teen returns from their driving time, parents may even view a report card of vital stats on how the teen driver performed.
General Motors Safety Engineer, MaryAnn Beebe, is confident the system takes a proper step in helping teens remain safe on the road, while teach responsible habits saying, “We developed this system so parents could use it as a teaching tool with their kids – they can discuss and reinforce safe driving habits. As a mother of two, I know anything that has the potential of keeping one’s family safer is of great value to parents.”
Chevrolet says the system will be standard on the 2016 Malibu Premier trim, and an option on the LT trim if equipped with the convenience package and premium radio. Look for more information on the Teen Driver system as the car is unveiled in less than two weeks at the 2015 New York Auto Show. In the meantime, have a look at the system in action in the provided video below.
Comments
Isn’t that the same thing as ford’s mykey?
I hope that it can block them from sending text messages
Great way to give back to the community , especially for teens driver education , a sorely lacking driver education assist for young North Americans .
Will it help teens actually to use their turn signals?! *rolls eyes*