Amerigon Lands Rights to Radar Technology for Cars

Amerigon Inc. said it acquired an exclusive, worldwide license to a patented radar technology for cars that was developed by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Amerigon, based in Burbank, is a start-up company that is using aerospace and defense technologies to create advanced automotive components.

The radar technology, Amerigon said, has the potential to dramatically reduce the cost of radar safety products for cars. The royalty-bearing license allows Amerigon to incorporate the radar technology into new products, including back-up warning and “blind spot” warning devices for drivers.

Other products that could use the technology, Amerigon said, include one that will automatically adjust cruise-control systems to maintain a constant distance between vehicles, and an air-bag activator for side-impact collisions.