Mazda, Volvo Technologies Win Canadian Auto Awards

Mazda Motors Corp.’s G-Vectoring Control (GVC) system and Volvo Car Corp.’s Pilot Assist II feature were named the best new innovation and safety technology, respectively, by the Automobile Journalists Assn. of Canada this week at the Montreal auto show.

GVC, which was Introduced on the 2017 Mazda6 and Mazda3 cars, adjusts engine torque in response to steering action to help improve stability and control. Other finalists in the category were Ford’s Pro-Trailer Assist technology, General Motors Position Sensitive Spool Valve Damper and Mazda's Skyactiv-G 2.5T engine.

Volvo’s Pilot Assist II technology uses camera and radar sensors to enable semi-autonomous operation of a vehicle’s brakes, steering and throttle by identifying and tracking road markings and surrounding objects, including large animals. The technology edged out two General Motors Co. features (OnStar Proactive Alerts and Rear-Seat Reminder), the Mercedes-Benz Pre-Safe Sound, Subaru’s new global platform and Toyota’s Safety Sense P Package.

Winners were selected by a panel of 12 automotive journalists who specialize in technology. Carmakers made technical presentations of their products to the group.