EDITORIAL
Continuing the challenge to bring intelligent vehicles to our streets
The first half of 2013 has been busy for the iMobility Challenge, with much progress achieved in our goal to promote intelligent vehicle systems for energy efficient, safe and smart mobility. The first studies have been published: a mapping of intelligent vehicle systems to be promoted; and a market study that gives an overview of today's availability of cooperative ITS products and services.
Cooperative ITS (ie. technologies based on infrastructure to vehicle and vehicle to vehicle communication) was also the topic of our event held at the International Transport Forum summit last month in Leipzig. With the endorsement of motorsport driver Timo Glock, acting as our campaign ambassador, iMobility Challenge demonstrated cooperative green ITS technologies being developed by the BMW Group. Timo test drove the Traffic Light Assistant technology where in-vehicle information about traffic light phases and optimum speed advice allows you to drive through a green wave. Delegates including German, Norwegian, and Swedish ministers experienced this technology first-hand.
This month also saw the exciting and much awaited new European Commission proposal on the eCall system which should ensure that by October 2015, all new type-approved cars will automatically call emergency services in case of a serious crash. With eCall estimated to save up to 2,500 lives every year, this is a much needed technology that we strongly endorse and will demonstrate at upcoming events.
Finally, preparations are ongoing for our most exciting event of the year: the iMobility Challenge in the Netherlands. Registration is now open to attend this technology demonstration day taking place in September on an airstrip near The Hague. With over forty demonstrators already confirmed, visitors will have a unique chance to see and experience connected cars, driverless cars, and innovations in the field of electromobility, safety, and efficiency. With the motto ‘Intelligent Vehicles. Efficient Mobility’ we continue the challenge to convince the public, as well as professionals and decision-makers to adopt intelligent vehicle systems in their day-to-day mobility and bring intelligent vehicles to our streets.
Jean Todt
FIA President
