Will cameras be allowed to replace mirrors in the UK?
But now, a long-sought solution looks closer to finally stripping cars of their Mickey Mouse ears, as many automakers demonstrate video systems that replace side mirrors with cameras.
Continental, a major parts and systems supplier to automakers, calls them digital mirrors.
“There’s significant noise reduction, and there’s potential for CO2 reduction because of reduced drag and improved fuel economy,” said Dean McConnell, director of customer programs for advanced driver assistance systems at Continental. “There’s also the increased field of view.”
In a customized Mercedes-Benz CLS, Continental demonstrated how its system would work. Thumb-size video cameras on the exterior of the car replace the side-mounted mirrors and use interior screens on the left and right side of the dashboard to deliver views of what is next to and behind the car.