Why did Honda discontinue LaneWatch?
Honda has discontinued its LaneWatch blind spot monitoring system, a feature that was previously available on several of its vehicle models. The decision to discontinue LaneWatch was driven by a shift in consumer preferences and the increasing adoption of more advanced safety technologies.
What is LaneWatch?
LaneWatch was a camera-based blind spot monitoring system developed by Honda. It was designed to provide drivers with a live video feed of the passenger-side blind spot, displayed on the vehicle's center console screen. The system was intended to enhance driver awareness and improve safety when changing lanes or merging.
Reasons for Discontinuation
Honda's decision to discontinue LaneWatch was influenced by several factors:
- Shift in Consumer Preferences: Consumers have increasingly favored more comprehensive safety features, such as blind spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert systems, which provide a more complete view of the vehicle's surroundings. LaneWatch, being limited to the passenger-side blind spot, was seen as less desirable by some customers.
- Advancements in Safety Technology: The automotive industry has witnessed rapid advancements in safety technologies, including the development of more sophisticated blind spot monitoring systems that use radar or camera-based sensors to detect vehicles in the driver's blind spots on both sides of the vehicle. These systems are often seen as more effective and reliable than the single-camera LaneWatch approach.
- Standardization of Safety Features: Many automakers are now including advanced safety features, such as blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, as standard equipment on a wider range of vehicle models. This has made these technologies more accessible to consumers and has reduced the need for standalone systems like LaneWatch.
By discontinuing LaneWatch, Honda aims to focus on integrating more comprehensive and advanced safety technologies into its vehicle lineup, providing customers with a more robust and reliable suite of driver assistance features.
Do you really need blind-spot monitoring?
This study found that lane-change collision involvement rates dropped 14% with vehicles with blind-spot monitoring active than those without it.
Does Honda have a lane watch?
Similar to a blind spot monitoring system, Honda LaneWatch™ uses a camera installed below the right, passenger-side mirror to relay an image of the area on the right side of the vehicle to the central display screen. This makes it easier and safer for you to change lanes or make turns.
Is the Honda Lanewatch useful?
However I have found the lanewatch camera to be highly useful over the course of my Accord ownership. More than anything else, I switch it on and let it run (independently of the turn signal) when I'm on a crowded freeway and have to make multiple lane changes or when traffic is merging in.
Why did Honda stop LaneWatch?
The affordable camera-based system won't be offered on most, if not all, future models. Honda is discontinuing LaneWatch in favor of blind-spot monitoring.
Which car is Honda discontinuing?
The Honda Insight
Honda is saying goodbye to the Insight hybrid model. The popular Honda Civic-based Insight was first launched in 1999, and just this year, the 2022 Honda Insight was released.
Is the Honda LaneWatch useful?
However I have found the lanewatch camera to be highly useful over the course of my Accord ownership. More than anything else, I switch it on and let it run (independently of the turn signal) when I'm on a crowded freeway and have to make multiple lane changes or when traffic is merging in.
Which Hondas have cabin watch?
CabinWatch® (Touring and Elite) - 2022 Honda Odyssey | Honda Info Center.
Why did Honda remove blind spot monitoring?
They are short on supply for Blind Spot, so they removed it from standard production and adjusted the MSRP. You can still get it, but will need request it and wait for the parts to come in. Which may or may not happen by 2024 production begins.
Is the Honda lane watch being discontinued?
With that being said, Honda LaneWatch™ is no longer available on new Honda models as it has been replaced by even more impressive standard safety features.
Why don't more cars have blind spot cameras?
The cost of installing technology such as sensors or cameras to improve blind spot visibility on older vehicles might be prohibitive. Another reason is that, even if new technology is installed on older vehicles, it must be installed correctly, maintained, and used properly to be effective.
