Three European Union research projects have been trialling ‘talking’ cars, which can communicate with each other and road infrastructure, such as traffic signs, lights and congestion management centres.

The vehicles can receive information from nearby cars on hazards ahead, such as accidents, oil spills, debris and potholes. Drivers are alerted through dashboard communications. Developed into prototypes by three research projects spending together Euro 52 million of EU money, they were tested near Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport recently.

It was, said a European Commission note, “the first time in Europe, 'talking' cars will be out in normal traffic on ordinary roads."

The European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) is developing standards for 2013. The Commission said “mass market introduction…by all brands of carmakers and equipment builders is possible as of 2015.” Automakers involved in these projects include BMW, Daimler, Renault, Volvo and Fiat.
 

Author: Keith Nuthall