| WOLFSBURG, Germany - As part of the Group research programme, Volkswagen is working on customer-orientated solutions for car drivers and is supporting the Landesinitiative Telematik, a regional telematics initiative launched by the German state of Lower Saxony.
"Traffic jams on the roads not only take up valuable time but also consume valuable resources and damage the environment. Using intelligent solutions together with information and system networks, traffic telematics open up the opportunity to improve traffic flow, making it safer and therefore a more attractive prospect. Volkswagen is developing driver assistance systems that will widen the driver's horizons beyond his/her immediate surroundings by connecting them with the infrastructure and other vehicles. These types of assistance systems will make every-day driving easier,”says Matthias Rabe, Head of Volkswagen Group Research.
Developing future solutions consists of linking together existing technologies, using the existing infrastructure and working on solutions which are both technically and economically sound. These issues are being worked on as part of the "Metropolis” initiative started by Volkswagen in collaboration with Bosch/Blaupunkt, Siemens, DLR, TU Braunschweig, Autouni Wolfsburg, Wolfsburg AG and reson eV. The Hanoverto Berlinsection of the A2 motorway, including the towns of Wolfsburgand Braunschweig, is being used as the test route.
The aim is to increase individual road safety for the car driver and to convey current traffic information and driving recommendations. Communication of local information such as restaurant tips and connecting the car with communication networks in the home and the office will also be developed. The Landes initiative Telematik launched by the German state of Lower Saxony represents an important step forward in the development of the systems of the future.
Technical solutions for all different telematic assistance systems are already available but effective technology management and wide ranging networking are required so that they can be fully exploited by the driver. Wireless transfer technology and intelligent infrastructures such as interlinked sets of traffic lights are the key to making telematics successful in the future.
Connecting the vehicle with the infrastructure and other vehicles ultimately increases the options available to the driver and enables important information to be conveyed in good time. Volkswagen therefore views telematics as an innovative solution to tomorrow's road traffic.
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