VOLVO Car Corp. said it had recently signed up with the CAR 2 CAR Communication Consortium regarding the implementation of standardized technology for communication between cars from 2016 onwards.

The company explained that the aim is for inter-car communication to function between all cars—no matter their brand. Communication is via a wireless network (similar to WLAN) and utilizes existing systems such as the GPS navigation system. CAR 2 CAR has been granted a separate frequency so that cars within a given radius are automatically linked together and can exchange information about parameters such as their position, speed and direction. The installation of transmitters in the road infrastructure, such as road signs and traffic lights, further extends the communication network.

Volvo said that enabling vehicles to communicate with one other and with the traffic environment opens up fantastic possibilities where vital information can be shared and exchanged, creating a safer and a more comfortable drive. It noted that the CAR 2 CAR group is composed of other European carmakers and suppliers.

“In the future, we will have advanced exchange of vital information between vehicles such as their position, speed and direction,” said Erik Israelsson of Volvo’s Intelligent Transport Systems. “There is considerable potential in this area, as well as opportunities for many benefits in many spheres over and above road safety, such as a more uniform flow of traffic and additional comfort for road users.”

Volvo cited that some examples of application areas for the new technology include a green light optimum speed advisory, which determines the best speed for a car so it could pass through a succession of green lights, avoiding unnecessary braking; emergency vehicle warning that alerts the driver of nearby emergency vehicles so he or she can create free passage in advance; road works warning where construction vehicles and heavy equipment can transmit information to vehicles before they reach the worksite, and plot speed limits and alternate routes in advance; and slow vehicle warning that can cut the risk of surprises and reduce accidents.

Other possible applications are traffic jam ahead warning, weather information, emergency electronic brake light, motorcycle approaching indication, and red light violation warning.
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