Abstract: A pedal assembly is mounted on a body structure of a motor vehicle and is used to generate a control signal for vehicle system. The pedal assembly includes a support mounted to the body structure and a pedal arm with an upper end pivotally mounted to the support for movement relative to the body structure and a lower end for supporting a pedal pad. The pedal arm is movable between a plurality of operational positions as a force is applied to the pedal pad. A magnet is mounted to the pedal arm for pivotal movement with the pedal arm between the various operational positions. The magnet is preferably permanent magnet having a cylindrical shape and including multiple poles alternating between positive and negative orientations about the circumference of the magnet. A noncontact sensor is mounted adjacent to the magnet such that the sensor remains fixed relative to the pedal at all operational positions.