HLA – Hill Launch Assist

A system that facilitates starting off by preventing the vehicle from rolling backwards.

A smooth hill start usually requires significant coordination skills from the driver. Initially, the vehicle is held stationary by the handbrake while the clutch is gradually released and the accelerator pedal depressed. As the momentum is overcome, the handbrake is gradually released to avoid rollback. HLA eliminates the need for the driver to hold the handbrake and instead automatically holds the vehicle “locked” for up to 2,5 seconds when the driver's foot is moved from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal. As soon as the available torque is sufficient, the HLA releases the brakes without risk of stalling or rolling back.