Driver monitoring tech wins award for Mazda CX-60

With no word yet as to when, or if, it will be available in the Philippines, the Mazda CX-60 has already received an award in its homeland. Because of its Driving Position Support and Driver Emergency Response technologies, the rear-wheel drive Mazda CX-60 has been selected for the "2022-2023 Japan Automotive Hall of Fame Car Technology of the Year" award.

Driver monitoring to the next level

The Mazda CX-60 was launched early this year as a larger, more powerful, and more premium crossover to complement the existing Mazda CX-5 which is already being sold here. Its Driver Monitoring technology uses an infrared camera,  to detect drowsiness, and knows if the driver dozes off when his eyes are closed. It also accurately detects sudden changes in the driver's physical condition based on changes in posture and head position. 

But beyond the usual "Take a break" and cup of coffee icon on the instrument cluster, the Mazda CX-60's monitoring system can determine if the driver is unable to continue driving due to loss of consciousness either through ruptured blood vessels, epilepsy, cranial nerves, or hypoglycemia. The Mazda CX-60 will then automatically decelerate and stop, leading to an emergency call. This feature is called Driver Emergency Assist (DEA).

No more guessing game

The other piece of tech that won the award for the Mazda CX-60 is Driving Position Support. The system determines the ideal seating position and steering wheel distance and height for the driver after he inputs his height on the vehicle's settings page. It also allows for easier ingress and egress for the driver as it moves the seat and steering wheel away as the driver enters or alights from the car.

No more wrist on top of the steering wheel and manually adjusting the seat to achieve angled elbows and knees, DPS does it all automatically.

Takahiro Tochioka, Chief Inspector for Advanced Driver Assistance Technology, said that Mazda's human-centric approach to vehicle manufacturing goes hand in hand with the brand's Mazda Proactive Safety philosophy. "We are overwhelmed with emotion to receive such an honorable award for our new-generation advanced safety technology, which is the fruit of many years of experience. Driving a car is inherently fun. That's why we want the safe and secure cars that we deliver to watch over the driver and be a partner that they can get along with. ”

According to Mazda Motor Corporation, this is the fourth time a Mazda model has been given the accolade after the Demio (Mazda2) Skyactiv-D in 2014-2015, the CX-5 Skyactiv-D 2.2 in 2012-2013, and the Demio Skyactiv-G 1.3 in 2011-2012.

Do you think Mazda Philippines should bring in the Mazda CX-60 here?