Alpine’s Managing Director Criticizes ADAS Functions as “Annoying as Hell”

Introduction

In a recent online post, Michael van der Sande, the managing director of Alpine, expressed his frustration with level-one autonomous driving functions. He described these functions as “a nightmare” due to their confusing and annoying nature. As someone who has brought the Alpine A110 to market and has experience in the automotive industry, van der Sande’s criticism holds weight.

The Problems with ADAS Functions

Van der Sande highlighted several issues with current ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) functions. One problem he mentioned is the inaccurate speed warning systems that often display incorrect speed limits. This can lead to confusion and potentially dangerous situations for drivers. Additionally, he criticized the multiple emergency braking alerts and unwarranted steering assistance interventions that can occur, causing annoyance and distraction.

The Safety Concerns

According to van der Sande, these ADAS functions not only cause frustration but also pose safety risks. He believes that the placement of basic functions, such as air vent speed controls, on the second page of a center screen creates unnecessary distractions for drivers. This, combined with the flawed autonomous driving functions, can make cars less safe than previous generations. Van der Sande emphasized that these new functionalities are “annoying as hell.”

The Need for Change

While many in the industry may share similar concerns, van der Sande’s willingness to speak out is commendable. As industry professionals, it is crucial to address these issues openly and demand change. Legislators and those responsible for mandating these technologies need to listen to the concerns of experts and prioritize safety over unnecessary and frustrating features. Only by doing so can we ensure that future car technologies are truly beneficial and enhance the driving experience.