Historically, one of the most important elements in Mazda’s development has been offering: the driver an optimal position behind the wheel. Recently, however, Mazda researchers have found that less than half of drivers adopt the right attitude when it comes to comfort, safety and control. How could we fix it? With the new Mazda CX-60.
In keeping with Mazda’s human perspective, which carefully studies every touch point in the car, from the shape and function of door handles to the feel of the controls, helping drivers to sit correctly behind the wheel was imperative. ‘s team Nobuaki Tabata, director of the Electrical and Electronic Architecture program at Mazda’s Integrated Control Systems Development Division, realized that in reality, most drivers do not know how to make the necessary adjustments to achieve an optimal driving position. “During the development of the Mazda CX-60, we saw that many drivers do not know how to adjust the seat to achieve an optimal level of comfort. In addition, we have data from studies indicating that only 40% of drivers are seated correctly” , it says.
To solve this problem, Mazda has developed a system that: recognizes any driver and configures automatically the position of the seat, steering wheel, mirrors and Head Up Display to maximize comfort and safety. The system uses a driver-facing camera and bodybuilding estimation technology. As soon as the driver manually enters his height with the HMI control (this operation is only done once, in the first configuration), the system calculates the best posture for that person based on the position of the eyes and makes the necessary adjustments. Of course, the driver can change the settings if he wishes. When the driver turns off the engine and unfastens the seat belt, the seat and steering wheel are automatically re-adjusted to make it easier to get out.
If you want to learn more about this extensive level of customization, be sure to read this gallery with all the details.
“This car’s facial recognition system allows you to adjust more than 100 parameters,” said Tabata, program manager for Electrical and Electronic Architecture, Mazda Integrated Control Systems Development Division.
“Developing this feature requires a huge amount of data,” explains Tabata. “First, facial recognition identifies the driver, then a driver estimation system suggests the optimal seat settings. It’s like guiding the driver based on the manufacturer’s experience.”
Defining the perfect riding position is just the beginning. “This car’s facial recognition system allows you to adjust more than a hundred parameters – Tabata continues -. For example, individual music sound settings, the volume of security alerts or mood lighting. All this can be adjusted to specific drivers.
Mazda’s goal with this powerful facial recognition technology is to reduce driver stress…before the car even starts moving. In this way, driving the Mazda CX-60 is not only safer, but also more relaxed, calm and entertaining for the driver and passengers.
Similarly, Mazda is doubling the warranty on its full range to 6 years or 150,000 km from September 1, 2022 to improve the customer experience. This fact shows once again that the Japanese brand is characterized by a clear priority: the well-being and satisfaction of each of the drivers of its vehicles. All programs offered in the company’s authorized services revolve around this goal.
This can be seen very clearly in the high satisfaction of the brand’s customers and especially in their loyalty in after-sales. Years ago, Mazda began a path to improve the customer experience and establish itself in the premium segment, not just for the quality of its cars, but for all that its services entail.
Many after sales and sales actions have been carried out, including the following: guaranteed quality, safety Mazda 730, free replacement car, car wash delivery, the Caribou system that facilitates all communication and procedures between dealer and customer via online, the free maintenance programs of Flexiopción or recently the launch of Mazda Insurance. These benefits have helped Mazda consolidate itself as one of the best automotive brands in terms of customer loyalty and satisfaction.
These conveniences are included in the Mazda Unique Experience program and a very important step will be taken from September 1, 2022: Mazda extends the warranty on the entire range to 6 years or 150,000 km.
Another pillar of Mazda Unique Experience is the improvement of connectivity in all areas. In addition to the possibility to access the car’s functions via remote control, there is also the diagnosis by the dealer via online thanks to the connected vehicles or even updating the vehicle’s software without having to go to the workshop (OTA update).
With this, the brand wants to give its customers stability and confidence in these uncertain times in the automotive sector. This new warranty, which doubles the coverage period to 6 years, is a true reflection of the quality of the product and the brand’s commitment to the well-being of its buyers.
Source: Marie Claire
