When a driver demand torque is not greater than a target braking/driving torque, the acceleration/deceleration of the vehicle is controlled depending on the target braking/driving torque, when the driver demand torque exceeds the target braking/driving torque, the acceleration/deceleration is controlled depending on the driver demand torque, when the accelerator pedal operation amount decreases after the driver demand torque exceeds the target braking/driving torque, the driver demand torque is decreased depending on the decrease in the accelerator pedal operation amount, the decrease rate of the driver demand torque depending on the decrease in the accelerator pedal operation amount is set to be smaller than the decrease rate for a case where the driver does not set a travelling speed, and the acceleration/deceleration is controlled based on the set driver demand torque, and when the accelerator pedal operation amount becomes zero subsequently, the acceleration/deceleration is controlled depending on the target braking/driving torque.

When a driver demand torque is not greater than a target braking/driving torque, the acceleration/deceleration of the vehicle is controlled depending on the target braking/driving torque, when the driver demand torque exceeds the target braking/driving torque, the acceleration/deceleration is controlled depending on the driver demand torque, when the accelerator pedal operation amount decreases after the driver demand torque exceeds the target braking/driving torque, the driver demand torque is decreased depending on the decrease in the accelerator pedal operation amount, the decrease rate of the driver demand torque depending on the decrease in the accelerator pedal operation amount is set to be smaller than the decrease rate for a case where the driver does not set a travelling speed, and the acceleration/deceleration is controlled based on the set driver demand torque, and when the accelerator pedal operation amount becomes zero subsequently, the acceleration/deceleration is controlled depending on the target braking/driving torque.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of communicating to a user information in respect of a change in activation state of a vehicle speed control system from an inactive state to an active state, the method being implemented by means of a controller, the active state being a state in which the speed control system is operable to control vehicle speed in accordance with a target speed at least in part by causing application of positive powertrain drive torque, the inactive state being a state in which the speed control system does not cause application of positive powertrain drive torque, comprising: causing a transient increase in a speed of a motor of the powertrain prior to the speed control system controlling vehicle speed in accordance with a target speed in the active state.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system comprising: a first, controller operable to assume an off state or one of one or more on states, in a first on state the first controller being configured to generate a first controller powertrain signal in order to cause a powertrain to develop drive torque and cause a vehicle to operate in accordance with a target speed value, the system being configured to cause the first controller to assume the first on state in dependence at least in part on receipt of a first input signal indicative that the controller is required to assume the first on state and a second signal indicative that a driver is maintaining a driver-operated brake control device in a brake-applied condition, being a condition in which a braking system of a vehicle is caused to apply a brake to one or more wheels.

A method of operating an automatic speed control system of a vehicle in accordance with a set-speed. The method comprises receiving electrical signal(s) representative of a vehicle occupant-initiated brake command to slow the vehicle to a stop, and in response, suspending automatic speed control in accordance with said set-speed and commanding the application of a retarding torque to one or more wheels of the vehicle to bring the vehicle to a stop, while maintaining the speed control system in an active state. The method further comprises receiving electrical signal(s) representative of a vehicle occupant-initiated brake release command, and in response, and while maintaining the speed control system in an active state, automatically commanding the generation of drive torque sufficient to propel the vehicle in an intended direction and automatically controlling the speed of the vehicle in accordance with said set-speed.

A vehicle control system includes: a first switch that accepts an operation of an occupant of a vehicle; and a performance part that performs, when the first switch is operated, travel assist in a node in which an assist degree is the largest at that time point.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system comprising: a first, controller operable to assume an off state or one of one or more on states, in a first on state the first controller being configured to generate a first controller powertrain signal in order to cause a powertrain to develop drive torque and cause a vehicle to operate in accordance with a target speed value, the system being configured to cause the first controller to assume the first on state in dependence at least in part on receipt of a first input signal indicative that the controller is required to assume the first on state and a second signal indicative that a driver is maintaining a driver-operated brake control device in a brake-applied condition, being a condition in which a braking system of a vehicle is caused to apply a brake to one or more wheels.

A driver assistance system and an operating method thereof are configured and adapted to perform autonomous longitudinal and/or lateral control of a vehicle. At least one control task for longitudinal and/or lateral control of the vehicle can be transferred from the driver to the driver assistance system. This involves informing the driver that a control task can be transferred to the system, and then transferring the control task from the driver to the system in response to the driver ceasing a manual control of this control task.

A system and method for controlling a transmission system is provided. One agricultural vehicle includes a vehicle controller configured to instruct an engine controller to maintain an engine at a constant speed and to receive a first signal from a transmission controller indicative of gear shift initiation. The vehicle controller is also configured to instruct the engine controller to maintain the engine at a current torque upon receipt of the first signal and to receive a second signal from the transmission controller indicative of gear shift completion. The vehicle controller is configured to instruct the engine controller to maintain the engine at the constant speed upon receipt of the second signal.

A method of operating an automatic speed control system of a vehicle in accordance with a set-speed. The method comprises receiving electrical signal(s) representative of a vehicle occupant-initiated brake command to slow the vehicle to a stop, and in response, suspending automatic speed control in accordance with said set-speed and commanding the application of a retarding torque to one or more wheels of the vehicle to bring the vehicle to a stop, while maintaining the speed control system in an active state. The method further comprises receiving electrical signal(s) representative of a vehicle occupant-initiated brake release command, and in response, and while maintaining the speed control system in an active state, automatically commanding the generation of drive torque sufficient to propel the vehicle in an intended direction and automatically controlling the speed of the vehicle in accordance with said set-speed.