“We use a cloud-based system so we don’t need to have a direct link between the vehicles,” Volvo CEO Hakan Samuelsson said while presenting the technology. “It allows us to analyze the information and to look for the ideal distribution to other cars.” A data connection to the internet in the car is required for the system to work.
More countries, more rivals
Volvo’s system is similar to the one Mercedes uses in the E class, although Volvo executives say its solution uses a self-developed protocol. Mertens added that the technology will become more useful over time.
“Of course, it will be better when all cars are using a similar system,” he said. “We will introduce it in the coming generations of our vehicles as well.” Mertens added that the new system will be rolled out in other countries but declined to elaborate.
Other automakers working on similar systems include Cadillac, Audi and Jaguar Land Rover.
Cadillac aims to launch car-to-car communication in some of its 2017 models sold in the U.S. Audi is offering the Q7 and A4 with vehicle-to-infrastructure systems in so-called “smart cities” in the U.S. that include Las Vegas, Nevada, and Seattle, Washington. Cars with the system will display a countdown before a red light turns green and also will offer a countdown showing when it is too late to get through an approaching intersection before the light turns red.
Jaguar Land Rover will start real-time testing of car-to-car systems in the UK and in the U.S. city of Ann Arbor, Michigan.
