Neckarsulm, 2006-11-27
Audi AG Environmental Talks
Car-to-Car Communications should encourage an economical driving style.
At this year’s Audi AG Environmental Talks in Neckarsulm, to which factory manager Jürgen Lunemann invited regional representatives of environmental organisations, public institutions, unions and the media, the focus was on the subject of “Car-to-Car Communication”. “In future, this technology should increase safety and comfort on the roads and thus contribute to a much more efficient and economical driving style,” said Lunemann.
All of this is made possible by the electronic exchange of data and information between individual vehicles. However, in addition, the system is also to be connected to traffic light systems or car parks. This means that traffic flows and obstacles can be recognised at an early stage and driving styles can be adjusted to each situation. And this may lead to much lower fuel consumption. The Heilbronn local traffic police demonstrated how this new technology works in practice at the Wartberg. They presented three applications: With breakdown warning, a vehicle switched its hazard lights where they cannot be missed. Drivers of other vehicles receive an automatic display on their navigation systems warning them of the hazard location and can take early evasive action. This prevents critical situations. The skid warning signals the use of ABS or ESP (for example, because of ice) as a hazard location to following and oncoming vehicles. With distance warning the vehicles equipped with Car-to-Car systems inform each other of their speeds and positions. A vehicle that approaches the vehicle in front too quickly can thus give its driver plenty of warning.
All applications contribute to road safety and help to prevent accidents and traffic jams. Journey times are cut and more efficient use is made of the infrastructure. These improvements also have a noticeable effect on emissions and fuel consumption. Other than the examples cited above, other applications are possible. Tests prove that better informed drivers help to prevent traffic jams and urban traffic light-vehicle communication favours the “green phase”. Traffic can thus flow more smoothly and unnecessary stops, which result in additional vehicle emissions, are prevented. “In future, the car will be an active component of the interconnected world. It is important to cooperate with other car manufacturers to obtain the best benefits for our customers so that uniform standards for the communications technology can be established as soon as possible,” said Ingrid Paulus, head of environment and traffic at Audi AG.
The Audi Environment Talks in Neckarsulm were being held for the 13th time. In addition to current environmental issues for the site, new approaches to environmental protection and traffic are regularly presented. The aim of the Environment Talks is to present the company’s environmental management system and to continuously improve the site’s achievements in environmental protection.
All of this is made possible by the electronic exchange of data and information between individual vehicles. However, in addition, the system is also to be connected to traffic light systems or car parks. This means that traffic flows and obstacles can be recognised at an early stage and driving styles can be adjusted to each situation. And this may lead to much lower fuel consumption. The Heilbronn local traffic police demonstrated how this new technology works in practice at the Wartberg. They presented three applications: With breakdown warning, a vehicle switched its hazard lights where they cannot be missed. Drivers of other vehicles receive an automatic display on their navigation systems warning them of the hazard location and can take early evasive action. This prevents critical situations. The skid warning signals the use of ABS or ESP (for example, because of ice) as a hazard location to following and oncoming vehicles. With distance warning the vehicles equipped with Car-to-Car systems inform each other of their speeds and positions. A vehicle that approaches the vehicle in front too quickly can thus give its driver plenty of warning.
All applications contribute to road safety and help to prevent accidents and traffic jams. Journey times are cut and more efficient use is made of the infrastructure. These improvements also have a noticeable effect on emissions and fuel consumption. Other than the examples cited above, other applications are possible. Tests prove that better informed drivers help to prevent traffic jams and urban traffic light-vehicle communication favours the “green phase”. Traffic can thus flow more smoothly and unnecessary stops, which result in additional vehicle emissions, are prevented. “In future, the car will be an active component of the interconnected world. It is important to cooperate with other car manufacturers to obtain the best benefits for our customers so that uniform standards for the communications technology can be established as soon as possible,” said Ingrid Paulus, head of environment and traffic at Audi AG.
The Audi Environment Talks in Neckarsulm were being held for the 13th time. In addition to current environmental issues for the site, new approaches to environmental protection and traffic are regularly presented. The aim of the Environment Talks is to present the company’s environmental management system and to continuously improve the site’s achievements in environmental protection.