Protecting Consumers from Counterfeit Products During Online Shopping
As online shopping continues to grow, government agencies are working to protect consumers from counterfeit products that may pose serious safety risks. The Consumer Safety and Protection Office (CSPO) has introduced a new online shopping guide, offering tips on identifying fake products, protecting personal and financial information, and recognizing suspicious websites. The guide also includes videos, infographics, and checklists for safer shopping.
Buying counterfeit goods can be dangerous. Fake electronics may overheat, toy products can break easily causing injury, and counterfeit cosmetics may contain harmful chemicals. Additionally, fraudulent websites can steal customers’ data, leading to financial loss and identity theft. Online marketplaces are especially vulnerable to these scams, as unscrupulous sellers can hide behind anonymity.
The CSPO collaborates with federal and private partners to prevent the sale and distribution of counterfeit products. By monitoring websites, social media, and online marketplaces, the CSPO aims to safeguard U.S. consumers and businesses while ensuring the integrity of intellectual property rights. These efforts help minimize economic losses and protect public health by preventing hazardous products from entering the market.
The word unscrupulous in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to …

Protecting Consumers from Counterfeit Products During Online Shopping
As online shopping continues to grow, government agencies are working to protect consumers from counterfeit products that may pose serious safety risks. The Consumer Safety and Protection Office (CSPO) has introduced a new online shopping guide, offering tips on identifying fake products, protecting personal and financial information, and recognizing suspicious websites. The guide also includes videos, infographics, and checklists for safer shopping.
Buying counterfeit goods can be dangerous. Fake electronics may overheat, toy products can break easily causing injury, and counterfeit cosmetics may contain harmful chemicals. Additionally, fraudulent websites can steal customers’ data, leading to financial loss and identity theft. Online marketplaces are especially vulnerable to these scams, as unscrupulous sellers can hide behind anonymity.
The CSPO collaborates with federal and private partners to prevent the sale and distribution of counterfeit products. By monitoring websites, social media, and online marketplaces, the CSPO aims to safeguard U.S. consumers and businesses while ensuring the integrity of intellectual property rights. These efforts help minimize economic losses and protect public health by preventing hazardous products from entering the market.
With ideas in paragraph 3, it can be predicted that …

Protecting Consumers from Counterfeit Products During Online Shopping
As online shopping continues to grow, government agencies are working to protect consumers from counterfeit products that may pose serious safety risks. The Consumer Safety and Protection Office (CSPO) has introduced a new online shopping guide, offering tips on identifying fake products, protecting personal and financial information, and recognizing suspicious websites. The guide also includes videos, infographics, and checklists for safer shopping.
Buying counterfeit goods can be dangerous. Fake electronics may overheat, toy products can break easily causing injury, and counterfeit cosmetics may contain harmful chemicals. Additionally, fraudulent websites can steal customers’ data, leading to financial loss and identity theft. Online marketplaces are especially vulnerable to these scams, as unscrupulous sellers can hide behind anonymity.
The CSPO collaborates with federal and private partners to prevent the sale and distribution of counterfeit products. By monitoring websites, social media, and online marketplaces, the CSPO aims to safeguard U.S. consumers and businesses while ensuring the integrity of intellectual property rights. These efforts help minimize economic losses and protect public health by preventing hazardous products from entering the market.
The ideas in the passage may be best summarized as …

Operation Husky: The Invasion of Sicily
Operation Husky was a major World War II campaign that aimed to secure the island of Sicily from Axis forces. On July 9, 1943, Allied troops, including American, British, and Canadian forces, landed along the southern coast of Sicily. The Italian and German defenders were prepared, and the landings were met with resistance, though Allied air superiority helped reduce enemy effectiveness.
The Axis forces, led by General Alfredo Guzzoni for Italy and General Hans-Valentin Hube for Germany, had fortified key positions along the beaches and inland routes. Despite initial strong resistance, the Allies gradually advanced, capturing key towns and ports. The difficult terrain, including hills and narrow roads, posed challenges for the advancing forces, and several engagements resulted in casualties on both sides.
After several weeks of fighting, the Allies succeeded in securing most of Sicily, leading to the collapse of Italian resistance on the island and opening the way for the Allied invasion of mainland Italy. Operation Husky demonstrated the importance of combined land, air, and naval operations and highlighted the challenges of amphibious assaults on fortified positions.
Right after the Axis forces prepared for the defense of Sicily, they …

Surabaya Struggling with Increasing Waste Problems
Surabaya, with a population exceeding 10 million, produces roughly 7,000 tons of waste daily. Over the past five years, the total waste generated could fill several of the city’s tallest buildings several times over, illustrating the sheer scale of the problem.
The growing piles of garbage, combined with inefficient waste management, have pushed the city toward a crisis. Many landfills are nearing full capacity, and residents are concerned about where future waste can be safely disposed of. Communities living near landfills are particularly affected, dealing with foul odors and health hazards caused by decomposing waste and scattered plastics.
The polluted runoff from these landfills contaminates local rivers, which people still use for washing and recreation. During heavy rainfall, the heaps of trash can collapse or overflow, creating additional hazards. Despite these risks, landfill workers continue to operate machinery to pile up waste, as there are no alternative disposal sites available.
Authorities in surrounding areas, such as Sidoarjo and Gresik, had planned to use a newly built Tanjung Landfill for overflow, but the facility remains closed due to legal disputes between the local government and the contractor. Additionally, disagreements among the municipalities about waste quotas have delayed full operation.
Although Surabaya has implemented modern solutions such as sanitary landfills and waste-to-energy plants, these efforts are still insufficient to cope with the city’s rapidly growing waste output. The measures provide some relief but cannot keep pace with the increasing daily tonnage.
According to the passage, the entity most likely to blame for the waste crisis in Surabaya is …

South Korea’s Rapid Industrial Growth
South Korea’s impressive economic growth over the past four decades is largely attributed to its technological advancements. South Koreans have a strong respect for innovation and are quick to adopt and improve upon foreign technologies. By effectively integrating these technologies into their industries, they have achieved remarkable increases in productivity. For example, if the production index in South Korea’s manufacturing sector was 100 in 1970, it rose to 500 by 1990. Analysts estimate that nearly half of this extraordinary growth was driven by technological innovation, demonstrating the crucial role of technology in the country’s economic development. The paragraph mainly talks about …

Lifestyle and Its Impact on Health
Lifestyle refers to the habits, routines, and behaviors of individuals, communities, and nations, shaped by their environment, culture, economy, politics, and religion. It reflects how people live, work, eat, and spend leisure time. In modern times, lifestyle is considered one of the most important determinants of health. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that nearly 60% of factors affecting a person’s health and life quality are linked to lifestyle choices.
An unhealthy lifestyle can lead to serious health problems. Common issues include obesity, heart disease, diabetes, joint disorders, high blood pressure, and even mental health problems. Factors such as poor nutrition, smoking, alcohol abuse, lack of physical activity, and chronic stress are major contributors to these conditions.
Moreover, technological advancements, especially the rise of digital communication and the internet, create new challenges. Excessive screen time, social media addiction, and online gaming may affect both physical and psychological well-being.
In addition, some lifestyle choices are influenced by cultural and social factors. For example, in some communities, close-kin marriages are common, which may increase the risk of genetic disorders. Another example is the widespread use of self-medication. Some countries report a high rate of medication misuse, with people taking antibiotics or painkillers without prescriptions. This can lead to drug resistance, weakened immunity, and severe side effects, even fatal reactions in some cases.
Overall, lifestyle profoundly affects physical and mental health. Awareness and preventive measures are necessary to reduce the risk of disease and improve overall quality of life.
In organizing the passage, the author begins by:

Lifestyle and Its Impact on Health
Lifestyle refers to the habits, routines, and behaviors of individuals, communities, and nations, shaped by their environment, culture, economy, politics, and religion. It reflects how people live, work, eat, and spend leisure time. In modern times, lifestyle is considered one of the most important determinants of health. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that nearly 60% of factors affecting a person’s health and life quality are linked to lifestyle choices.
An unhealthy lifestyle can lead to serious health problems. Common issues include obesity, heart disease, diabetes, joint disorders, high blood pressure, and even mental health problems. Factors such as poor nutrition, smoking, alcohol abuse, lack of physical activity, and chronic stress are major contributors to these conditions.
Moreover, technological advancements, especially the rise of digital communication and the internet, create new challenges. Excessive screen time, social media addiction, and online gaming may affect both physical and psychological well-being.
In addition, some lifestyle choices are influenced by cultural and social factors. For example, in some communities, close-kin marriages are common, which may increase the risk of genetic disorders. Another example is the widespread use of self-medication. Some countries report a high rate of medication misuse, with people taking antibiotics or painkillers without prescriptions. This can lead to drug resistance, weakened immunity, and severe side effects, even fatal reactions in some cases.
Overall, lifestyle profoundly affects physical and mental health. Awareness and preventive measures are necessary to reduce the risk of disease and improve overall quality of life.
Why does the author mention self-medication in some countries?

Lifestyle and Its Impact on Health
Lifestyle refers to the habits, routines, and behaviors of individuals, communities, and nations, shaped by their environment, culture, economy, politics, and religion. It reflects how people live, work, eat, and spend leisure time. In modern times, lifestyle is considered one of the most important determinants of health. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that nearly 60% of factors affecting a person’s health and life quality are linked to lifestyle choices.
An unhealthy lifestyle can lead to serious health problems. Common issues include obesity, heart disease, diabetes, joint disorders, high blood pressure, and even mental health problems. Factors such as poor nutrition, smoking, alcohol abuse, lack of physical activity, and chronic stress are major contributors to these conditions.
Moreover, technological advancements, especially the rise of digital communication and the internet, create new challenges. Excessive screen time, social media addiction, and online gaming may affect both physical and psychological well-being.
In addition, some lifestyle choices are influenced by cultural and social factors. For example, in some communities, close-kin marriages are common, which may increase the risk of genetic disorders. Another example is the widespread use of self-medication. Some countries report a high rate of medication misuse, with people taking antibiotics or painkillers without prescriptions. This can lead to drug resistance, weakened immunity, and severe side effects, even fatal reactions in some cases.
Overall, lifestyle profoundly affects physical and mental health. Awareness and preventive measures are necessary to reduce the risk of disease and improve overall quality of life.
The connection between lifestyle and health is most similar to:

Lifestyle and Its Impact on Health
Lifestyle refers to the habits, routines, and behaviors of individuals, communities, and nations, shaped by their environment, culture, economy, politics, and religion. It reflects how people live, work, eat, and spend leisure time. In modern times, lifestyle is considered one of the most important determinants of health. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that nearly 60% of factors affecting a person’s health and life quality are linked to lifestyle choices.
An unhealthy lifestyle can lead to serious health problems. Common issues include obesity, heart disease, diabetes, joint disorders, high blood pressure, and even mental health problems. Factors such as poor nutrition, smoking, alcohol abuse, lack of physical activity, and chronic stress are major contributors to these conditions.
Moreover, technological advancements, especially the rise of digital communication and the internet, create new challenges. Excessive screen time, social media addiction, and online gaming may affect both physical and psychological well-being.
In addition, some lifestyle choices are influenced by cultural and social factors. For example, in some communities, close-kin marriages are common, which may increase the risk of genetic disorders. Another example is the widespread use of self-medication. Some countries report a high rate of medication misuse, with people taking antibiotics or painkillers without prescriptions. This can lead to drug resistance, weakened immunity, and severe side effects, even fatal reactions in some cases.
Overall, lifestyle profoundly affects physical and mental health. Awareness and preventive measures are necessary to reduce the risk of disease and improve overall quality of life.
Complete the conditional sentence based on the passage:
“If people continue to adopt an unhealthy lifestyle, …”

Lifestyle and Its Impact on Health
Lifestyle refers to the habits, routines, and behaviors of individuals, communities, and nations, shaped by their environment, culture, economy, politics, and religion. It reflects how people live, work, eat, and spend leisure time. In modern times, lifestyle is considered one of the most important determinants of health. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that nearly 60% of factors affecting a person’s health and life quality are linked to lifestyle choices.
An unhealthy lifestyle can lead to serious health problems. Common issues include obesity, heart disease, diabetes, joint disorders, high blood pressure, and even mental health problems. Factors such as poor nutrition, smoking, alcohol abuse, lack of physical activity, and chronic stress are major contributors to these conditions.
Moreover, technological advancements, especially the rise of digital communication and the internet, create new challenges. Excessive screen time, social media addiction, and online gaming may affect both physical and psychological well-being.
In addition, some lifestyle choices are influenced by cultural and social factors. For example, in some communities, close-kin marriages are common, which may increase the risk of genetic disorders. Another example is the widespread use of self-medication. Some countries report a high rate of medication misuse, with people taking antibiotics or painkillers without prescriptions. This can lead to drug resistance, weakened immunity, and severe side effects, even fatal reactions in some cases.
Overall, lifestyle profoundly affects physical and mental health. Awareness and preventive measures are necessary to reduce the risk of disease and improve overall quality of life.
Which sentence from the text expresses an opinion rather than a fact?

TEXT 1
Actors develop and portray a character by applying cognitive empathy, also called Theory of Mind (ToM). ToM is the ability to understand and predict other people’s thoughts, feelings, and intentions. This skill is essential for navigating social interactions and for creating believable characters. In the process of character development, actors explore the character’s background, goals, beliefs, and values. Often, this requires going beyond what is written in the script.
Neuroscientific studies suggest that multiple brain regions, such as the temporoparietal junction and the posterior cingulate cortex, are involved in ToM. The temporoparietal junction helps in distinguishing one’s own perspective from that of others. Actors practicing ToM often experience changes in self-perception and memory, aligning their responses with the character’s perspective. Research also shows that some brain areas are temporarily suppressed when actors answer questions from the first-person perspective of the character, indicating that acting involves suppressing the self.
TEXT 2
Recent research indicates that theatre training can influence fundamental brain functions. In one study, actors were trained to perform Shakespearean scenes for audiences with autism using interactive drama exercises, known as sensory drama games.
Brain activity and physiological responses were measured using wearable imaging and monitoring devices. The results revealed that, during performance, actors’ responses to hearing their own names were reduced in the left anterior prefrontal cortex, a region linked to self-awareness. This effect was observed consistently across multiple rehearsals. Outside of acting, actors responded normally to hearing their names. Researchers hope that such studies will provide insights into how acting modifies brain activity and can foster collaboration between neuroscientists and theatre practitioners.
According to Text 1, cognitive empathy (ToM) is used by actors to:

TEXT 1
Actors develop and portray a character by applying cognitive empathy, also called Theory of Mind (ToM). ToM is the ability to understand and predict other people’s thoughts, feelings, and intentions. This skill is essential for navigating social interactions and for creating believable characters. In the process of character development, actors explore the character’s background, goals, beliefs, and values. Often, this requires going beyond what is written in the script.
Neuroscientific studies suggest that multiple brain regions, such as the temporoparietal junction and the posterior cingulate cortex, are involved in ToM. The temporoparietal junction helps in distinguishing one’s own perspective from that of others. Actors practicing ToM often experience changes in self-perception and memory, aligning their responses with the character’s perspective. Research also shows that some brain areas are temporarily suppressed when actors answer questions from the first-person perspective of the character, indicating that acting involves suppressing the self.
TEXT 2
Recent research indicates that theatre training can influence fundamental brain functions. In one study, actors were trained to perform Shakespearean scenes for audiences with autism using interactive drama exercises, known as sensory drama games.
Brain activity and physiological responses were measured using wearable imaging and monitoring devices. The results revealed that, during performance, actors’ responses to hearing their own names were reduced in the left anterior prefrontal cortex, a region linked to self-awareness. This effect was observed consistently across multiple rehearsals. Outside of acting, actors responded normally to hearing their names. Researchers hope that such studies will provide insights into how acting modifies brain activity and can foster collaboration between neuroscientists and theatre practitioners.
In Text 2, the pronoun “They” in paragraph 1 refers to:

TEXT 1
Actors develop and portray a character by applying cognitive empathy, also called Theory of Mind (ToM). ToM is the ability to understand and predict other people’s thoughts, feelings, and intentions. This skill is essential for navigating social interactions and for creating believable characters. In the process of character development, actors explore the character’s background, goals, beliefs, and values. Often, this requires going beyond what is written in the script.
Neuroscientific studies suggest that multiple brain regions, such as the temporoparietal junction and the posterior cingulate cortex, are involved in ToM. The temporoparietal junction helps in distinguishing one’s own perspective from that of others. Actors practicing ToM often experience changes in self-perception and memory, aligning their responses with the character’s perspective. Research also shows that some brain areas are temporarily suppressed when actors answer questions from the first-person perspective of the character, indicating that acting involves suppressing the self.
TEXT 2
Recent research indicates that theatre training can influence fundamental brain functions. In one study, actors were trained to perform Shakespearean scenes for audiences with autism using interactive drama exercises, known as sensory drama games.
Brain activity and physiological responses were measured using wearable imaging and monitoring devices. The results revealed that, during performance, actors’ responses to hearing their own names were reduced in the left anterior prefrontal cortex, a region linked to self-awareness. This effect was observed consistently across multiple rehearsals. Outside of acting, actors responded normally to hearing their names. Researchers hope that such studies will provide insights into how acting modifies brain activity and can foster collaboration between neuroscientists and theatre practitioners.
Which sentence in Text 2 expresses an opinion?

TEXT 1
Actors develop and portray a character by applying cognitive empathy, also called Theory of Mind (ToM). ToM is the ability to understand and predict other people’s thoughts, feelings, and intentions. This skill is essential for navigating social interactions and for creating believable characters. In the process of character development, actors explore the character’s background, goals, beliefs, and values. Often, this requires going beyond what is written in the script.
Neuroscientific studies suggest that multiple brain regions, such as the temporoparietal junction and the posterior cingulate cortex, are involved in ToM. The temporoparietal junction helps in distinguishing one’s own perspective from that of others. Actors practicing ToM often experience changes in self-perception and memory, aligning their responses with the character’s perspective. Research also shows that some brain areas are temporarily suppressed when actors answer questions from the first-person perspective of the character, indicating that acting involves suppressing the self.
TEXT 2
Recent research indicates that theatre training can influence fundamental brain functions. In one study, actors were trained to perform Shakespearean scenes for audiences with autism using interactive drama exercises, known as sensory drama games.
Brain activity and physiological responses were measured using wearable imaging and monitoring devices. The results revealed that, during performance, actors’ responses to hearing their own names were reduced in the left anterior prefrontal cortex, a region linked to self-awareness. This effect was observed consistently across multiple rehearsals. Outside of acting, actors responded normally to hearing their names. Researchers hope that such studies will provide insights into how acting modifies brain activity and can foster collaboration between neuroscientists and theatre practitioners.
The findings about actors’ brain activity while performing a character are found in:

TEXT 1
Actors develop and portray a character by applying cognitive empathy, also called Theory of Mind (ToM). ToM is the ability to understand and predict other people’s thoughts, feelings, and intentions. This skill is essential for navigating social interactions and for creating believable characters. In the process of character development, actors explore the character’s background, goals, beliefs, and values. Often, this requires going beyond what is written in the script.
Neuroscientific studies suggest that multiple brain regions, such as the temporoparietal junction and the posterior cingulate cortex, are involved in ToM. The temporoparietal junction helps in distinguishing one’s own perspective from that of others. Actors practicing ToM often experience changes in self-perception and memory, aligning their responses with the character’s perspective. Research also shows that some brain areas are temporarily suppressed when actors answer questions from the first-person perspective of the character, indicating that acting involves suppressing the self.
TEXT 2
Recent research indicates that theatre training can influence fundamental brain functions. In one study, actors were trained to perform Shakespearean scenes for audiences with autism using interactive drama exercises, known as sensory drama games.
Brain activity and physiological responses were measured using wearable imaging and monitoring devices. The results revealed that, during performance, actors’ responses to hearing their own names were reduced in the left anterior prefrontal cortex, a region linked to self-awareness. This effect was observed consistently across multiple rehearsals. Outside of acting, actors responded normally to hearing their names. Researchers hope that such studies will provide insights into how acting modifies brain activity and can foster collaboration between neuroscientists and theatre practitioners.
What is the main connection between Texts 1 and 2?

The Effects of Drugs on Heart Health
The consumption of narcotics and illegal substances does not only affect mental and behavioral health; it can also severely damage the heart and even cause death. The impact of these drugs on cardiac health ranges from mild disturbances to fatal outcomes.
There are several drugs particularly dangerous to the heart, including cocaine, amphetamines, and ecstasy. These drugs increase the level of catecholamine hormones, causing the heart to work harder. This results in a sudden rise in blood pressure and a higher demand for oxygen by the heart muscles. Long-term use may weaken blood vessel walls, leading to tears in arteries and coronary arteries, impairing heart pumping, disturbing heart rhythm, and potentially causing cardiac arrest.
Another group of substances includes hallucinogens such as LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide) and psilocybin. They also elevate heart rate and blood pressure, though not as drastically as cocaine or amphetamines. Rarely, they can trigger tachyarrhythmia, a condition in which the heart beats excessively fast.
Morphine and its derivatives, while primarily used as strong pain relievers, can have severe cardiovascular effects when misused. High doses reduce heart performance, may cause shocks, cardiac arrest, and pulmonary edema, a condition in which the lungs fill with fluid.
Marijuana, in high amounts, can lower blood pressure and heart rate. Severe cases may result in cardiac arrest or death. Overall, the abuse of these substances poses significant risks to heart health and can be life-threatening.
What is the main idea of the passage?

The Effects of Drugs on Heart Health
The consumption of narcotics and illegal substances does not only affect mental and behavioral health; it can also severely damage the heart and even cause death. The impact of these drugs on cardiac health ranges from mild disturbances to fatal outcomes.
There are several drugs particularly dangerous to the heart, including cocaine, amphetamines, and ecstasy. These drugs increase the level of catecholamine hormones, causing the heart to work harder. This results in a sudden rise in blood pressure and a higher demand for oxygen by the heart muscles. Long-term use may weaken blood vessel walls, leading to tears in arteries and coronary arteries, impairing heart pumping, disturbing heart rhythm, and potentially causing cardiac arrest.
Another group of substances includes hallucinogens such as LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide) and psilocybin. They also elevate heart rate and blood pressure, though not as drastically as cocaine or amphetamines. Rarely, they can trigger tachyarrhythmia, a condition in which the heart beats excessively fast.
Morphine and its derivatives, while primarily used as strong pain relievers, can have severe cardiovascular effects when misused. High doses reduce heart performance, may cause shocks, cardiac arrest, and pulmonary edema, a condition in which the lungs fill with fluid.
Marijuana, in high amounts, can lower blood pressure and heart rate. Severe cases may result in cardiac arrest or death. Overall, the abuse of these substances poses significant risks to heart health and can be life-threatening.
According to the passage, consuming high doses of morphine can:

The Effects of Drugs on Heart Health
The consumption of narcotics and illegal substances does not only affect mental and behavioral health; it can also severely damage the heart and even cause death. The impact of these drugs on cardiac health ranges from mild disturbances to fatal outcomes.
There are several drugs particularly dangerous to the heart, including cocaine, amphetamines, and ecstasy. These drugs increase the level of catecholamine hormones, causing the heart to work harder. This results in a sudden rise in blood pressure and a higher demand for oxygen by the heart muscles. Long-term use may weaken blood vessel walls, leading to tears in arteries and coronary arteries, impairing heart pumping, disturbing heart rhythm, and potentially causing cardiac arrest.
Another group of substances includes hallucinogens such as LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide) and psilocybin. They also elevate heart rate and blood pressure, though not as drastically as cocaine or amphetamines. Rarely, they can trigger tachyarrhythmia, a condition in which the heart beats excessively fast.
Morphine and its derivatives, while primarily used as strong pain relievers, can have severe cardiovascular effects when misused. High doses reduce heart performance, may cause shocks, cardiac arrest, and pulmonary edema, a condition in which the lungs fill with fluid.
Marijuana, in high amounts, can lower blood pressure and heart rate. Severe cases may result in cardiac arrest or death. Overall, the abuse of these substances poses significant risks to heart health and can be life-threatening.
Which conclusion is best supported by the passage?

Mirrorless Cars and Camera Technology
Before car designers envisioned fully autonomous vehicles, they explored alternatives to conventional side mirrors. Recently, several automakers have presented video-based systems that could replace side mirrors with small cameras. Continental, a leading automotive parts supplier, is among those pioneering this technology.
In a modified Audi A6, Continental demonstrated its system. Compact cameras mounted on the sides of the car replace traditional mirrors and transmit real-time images to screens inside the vehicle. These displays are positioned near the driver’s natural line of sight, providing a wider field of view than conventional mirrors and minimizing blind spots. The cameras can also adjust automatically to sunlight or nighttime conditions and help drivers maneuver in tight parking areas.
Automakers are awaiting regulatory approval, as many countries still require physical mirrors on vehicles. Philipp Hoffmann, BMW’s project manager for camera monitor systems, anticipates road tests of mirrorless vehicles in Europe, followed by trials in Asia. He expressed optimism that similar approval may be granted in the United States.
His optimism is supported by recent initiatives. Daimler AG, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, is testing autonomous trucks in Nevada with screens replacing mirrors, and BMW has received an exemption from the U.S. Transportation Department to allow a BMW 7 Series to park itself using an automatic parking system while the driver remains outside the vehicle.
Replacing side mirrors with cameras could also reduce costs. Repairing a conventional side mirror can be expensive—for instance, a replacement for a 2016 Acura RLX costs nearly $950. Mr. McConnell from Continental noted that eliminating the need for structural supports for mirrors could save manufacturers money in production.