AUMOVIO Unveils Smarter Trailer Assistance at CES 2026
Towing a trailer has always demanded a different level of skill, patience, and spatial awareness. Whether it is a contractor reversing into a cramped urban loading bay or a family manoeuvring a caravan into a tight campsite pitch, the margin for error is slim. Even experienced drivers know that one misjudged angle can quickly escalate into damaged bodywork, bent couplings, or a near miss with a pedestrian. Against that backdrop, AUMOVIO’s latest trailer assistance systems land at precisely the right moment.
The technology and electronics specialist has unveiled two advanced driver assistance functions that promise to transform how vehicle trailer combinations are handled. The new Trailer Backtrack function and the Trailer Collision Warning system are designed to make reversing, manoeuvring, and parking with trailers significantly easier and safer. Both systems will make their public debut at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, with market availability expected in 2027.
Growing Demand for Smarter Trailer Assistance
Demand for intelligent trailer assistance is accelerating, particularly in North America, where pickups frequently tow cargo trailers, boats, and recreational vehicles. Larger vehicles, heavier trailers, and increasingly congested environments create a perfect storm for incidents at low speed. Poor lighting, bad weather, and unfamiliar spaces only add to the challenge.
Research from road safety authorities and insurers consistently shows that a high proportion of trailer related incidents occur during low speed manoeuvres rather than on open highways. Jack knifing, clipped obstacles, and pedestrian conflicts are common scenarios. AUMOVIO’s expanding trailer assistance portfolio is aimed squarely at these everyday pain points, bringing advanced sensing and automation into situations where drivers need it most.
Trailer Backtrack Takes the Stress Out of Reversing
Reversing with a trailer remains one of the most daunting tasks for drivers. A common scenario plays out repeatedly: the vehicle pulls forward into a narrow space or awkward approach, the angle is slightly off, and attempts to correct the position only make matters worse. Instead of returning neatly to the starting point, the vehicle and trailer drift further out of alignment.
AUMOVIO has been addressing this challenge for several years. Since 2020, its Trailer Reverse Assist system has supported drivers of conventional trailers as well as gooseneck and fifth wheel configurations. Using intuitive controls and on screen guidance, the system helps drivers find and maintain the ideal reversing line.
The new Trailer Backtrack function builds on that foundation. At the touch of a button, the system automatically manoeuvres the vehicle and trailer back along the same path taken when driving forward. Deviations from the original line are corrected automatically, allowing the combination to return smoothly to its starting position.
Drivers do not need to steer, brake, or manage throttle inputs during the process. Once activated, the assistant takes over and executes the manoeuvre with precision. For anyone who has struggled to reset after a failed reversing attempt, the value is immediately obvious.
Turning Complexity Into Confidence
One of the most impressive aspects of Trailer Backtrack is its ability to replicate the original path with a high degree of accuracy. By retracing the vehicle’s movements, the system avoids the compounding errors that often occur when drivers attempt to correct a trailer manually.
This capability is particularly valuable in confined environments such as construction sites, marinas, logistics yards, and urban streets. By reducing the cognitive load on the driver, Trailer Backtrack helps turn a stressful situation into a controlled and predictable manoeuvre. The result is less frustration, fewer minor collisions, and smoother operations overall.
Trailer Collision Warning Addresses a Critical Safety Gap
While reversing often grabs the headlines, turning and cornering with a trailer presents its own set of hazards. Misjudging the expanded turning circle can lead to the rear corner of the towing vehicle colliding with the front corner of the trailer. In tight spaces, pedestrians, cyclists, kerbs, and parked vehicles are also at risk.
AUMOVIO’s new Trailer Collision Warning system is designed to address precisely these scenarios. The system provides warnings during reversing, pulling away, turning, and passing manoeuvres, offering drivers real time insight into potential collision risks.
By continuously analysing steering angle, trailer geometry, and surrounding obstacles, the system calculates whether the vehicle and trailer are on a collision course with each other or with external objects. If a critical situation is detected, the driver is alerted before contact occurs.
Real Time Path Calculation Enhances Awareness
At the heart of the Trailer Collision Warning system is real time path calculation. A visual overlay shows the projected movement of both the vehicle and trailer based on the current steering input. This allows drivers to see immediately whether a chosen manoeuvre will result in a collision.
The system uses existing surround view cameras and, where available, radar sensors to monitor the environment. Pedestrians, bicycles, lampposts, and other obstacles are detected and factored into the calculation. By intelligently networking technologies already present in modern vehicles, AUMOVIO has created a highly effective safety layer without unnecessary complexity.
This approach reflects a broader industry trend toward software driven functionality that extracts more value from existing hardware platforms. For manufacturers and fleet operators alike, it represents a practical path to improved safety without excessive cost.
An Integrated Family of Trailer Assistance Systems
The new Trailer Backtrack and Trailer Collision Warning functions are the latest additions to what is already one of the most comprehensive trailer assistance portfolios on the market. AUMOVIO offers solutions that cover the entire trailer journey, from coupling to final parking.
The portfolio includes systems that assist with hitching the trailer, automatic reversing support, assistance for overtaking manoeuvres, and even automated support for launching boats from trailers. This breadth of functionality reflects years of development and real world validation across multiple vehicle types and trailer configurations.
One of the most widely recognised innovations in the portfolio is the Transparent Trailer function, which received an Innovation Award at CES 2021. By combining live camera feeds and visualisation software, the system allows drivers to effectively see through the trailer, maintaining awareness of the area behind and alongside the vehicle.
Industry Recognition and Real World Impact
Awards and demonstrations may generate headlines, but the real measure of success lies in everyday usability. Feedback from drivers consistently highlights how assistance systems reduce stress and increase confidence when towing. In professional settings, this translates into fewer incidents, reduced downtime, and lower repair costs.
In recreational use, the benefits are just as tangible. Families towing caravans or boats often include drivers with varying levels of experience. Intelligent assistance levels the playing field, making trailer handling safer for everyone involved.
AUMOVIO’s Vision for Software Defined Mobility
Since its spin off in September 2025, AUMOVIO has continued the business of the former Continental Automotive sector as an independent company. Headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany, the company employs more than 86,000 people across over 100 locations worldwide.
Its portfolio spans sensor solutions, displays, braking systems, comfort technologies, and advanced driver assistance systems. A strong emphasis on software, architecture platforms, and system integration positions AUMOVIO at the forefront of software defined vehicle development.
In the 2024 fiscal year, the business areas now operating under the AUMOVIO name generated sales of 19.6 billion Euro. This scale underpins sustained investment in research and development, ensuring that innovations such as advanced trailer assistance continue to move from concept to series production.
A Step Forward for Safer Everyday Towing
By tackling some of the most common and stressful aspects of trailer handling, AUMOVIO’s new assistance functions represent a meaningful step forward in everyday road safety. Trailer Backtrack simplifies recovery from failed manoeuvres, while Trailer Collision Warning provides critical awareness during turning and cornering.
Together, they reflect a broader shift toward intelligent systems that support drivers without taking control away unnecessarily. As these technologies reach the market in 2027, they are likely to become expected features rather than optional extras, reshaping expectations around what safe and comfortable trailer towing should look like.
