Lane departure, blind spot monitoring and intelligent braking systems are set to become the next essential options in executive cars and potentially important if RVs are to be maximised, predicts Glass's.
These active safety systems are growing more significant in the eyes of many used car buyers, says Steve Jackson, chief car editor of the motor trade bible
He explained: "There is a list of features that used executive car buyers expect, whether they were original standard equipment or optional extras - leather, satnav, Bluetooth, multifunction steering wheels and so on.
"We believe that the active safety systems that have started to be fitted to cars over the last few years are set to join this list. Initially very expensive, they are starting to fall in price and, at the same time, consumer awareness is growing.
"Crucially, there is a ‘buzz' around them. It is now quite common to hear friend-of-a-friend stories about how someone would've had a serious accident if they hadn't had one of these systems fitted to their car. People are starting to move through a process of expecting them to be fitted."
Jackson said that the fleet market, with its emphasis on duty of care, is playing a large part in helping to popularise these systems.
"If you have a group of drivers who cover a lot of motorway miles, then it makes sense to tick the box to order a lane departure system from a risk management point of view. For some employers, this is becoming standard practice and, in due course, these cars are making their way onto the used market."
For Glass's, Jackson added, the main question was which of the different safety systems that are now available on new cars would become a requirement for used buyers.
"There are many different types of these systems from different manufacturers with differing degrees of sophistication. However, if I were to place a bet, it is that buyers will first start to view blind spot monitors as essential.
"Almost everyone knows the sickly feeling of almost pulling across a lane into another vehicle and these systems can almost entirely remove the chances of that happening."
Dave Carpenter - 30/04/2015 12:43
Although I agree with some of the new features on vehicles I am somewhat sceptical that in time people become reliant on the systems in place. A lot of the issues that arise are from bad driving. I feel it essential for all drivers, including HGV`s and PCV licence holders, undertake driver training refresher courses every 3 years. No matter how good a driver you are we all forget things and fall into bad habits. Combine the training with new devices and people are less likely to rely on the systems but they are there as a back up.