WOLFSBURG: Thanks to Volkswagen’s (VW) latest technological innovation – Car2X, VW vehicles are now able to wirelessly connect to other vehicles including traffic infrastructure.
In recognition of the German carmaker’s efforts, Euro New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) gave special recognition to the traffic hazard alert function with the Advanced Award for ground-breaking safety features.
The German automotive association ADAC tested the new technology and declared it a “technical milestone”.
At the moment, VW’s new Golf (Mk8) is currently the first car on the European market to be equipped with Car2X as standard.
The technology is based on the Wi-Fi p wireless standard that’s specifically tailored to local communication between vehicles without the need for a mobile phone network and can provide a blanket coverage within the limits of the system.
Within a radius of up to 800m, connected vehicles can directly exchange positioning data and information with each other and can allow them to warn each other of dangers or make contact with the traffic infrastructure within a matter of milliseconds.
ADAC tested Volkswagen’s Car2X technology by sending the Golf into eight typical hazardous situations in which a driver – without being warned, would not be able to react at all, or would only be able to react much later.
In all eight situations, the vehicle warned the driver reliably and in time, often even 10 or 11 seconds before the impending accident.
Thus, ADAC has declared Volkswagen’s new technology (certified by TÜV) as a “technical milestone” that’s comparable to systems such as anti-lock braking system or airbags.
In the initial development stage, which Volkswagen is introducing with the new Golf, Car2X technology is active at speeds over 80kph.
In future, it should also be able to improve safety in city traffic by being able to communicate with nearby traffic lights – thereby improve traffic flow and reduce environmental impact.
Car2X technology utilises swarm intelligence in a local environment and improves as more and more participants connect.
For this reason, Volkswagen is now rolling it out on a broad scale after the Golf with other new models of the brand to feature the technology as standard. Other car manufacturers are also working on their own technology.
The Euro NCAP organisation intends to incorporate Car2X technology into its rating in future.
“Volkswagen is to be congratulated for making the technology standard in vehicles selling in high numbers like the Golf,” said Euro NCAP secretary general Michiel van Ratingen.
Keyword: Volkswagen develops ground-breaking Car2X safety feature