Audi, the German carmaker owned by Volkswagen Group, is working on a new traffic light information system that will enable vehicles to communicate its driver about traffic lights. Called the ‘V2I’ (vehicle to infrastructure), the new technology will make its debut with the 2017 Audi Q7, A4 and A4 allroad models that will be developed after 1 June 2016 in U.S.
The new technology will display a countdown to communicate the time the traffic signal will take to turn green from red. It will also show the driver if he/she will be able to get through the upcoming signal before it turns red.
The V21-equipped cars will receive real-time signal information from the advanced traffic management system that keeps a track on traffic lights. The link between vehicle and infrastructure is routed via the on-board LTE data connection and Traffic Technology Services, Inc. servers. The technology will initially be offered in seven U.S. cities, though it didn’t reveal which cities would get it first.
Pom Malhotra, GM – audi connected vehicle division said that the new technology has been developed as a comfort & convenience feature and not as a safety feature. He also said that the display would disappear a few seconds ago the light turns green so that the driver could pay attention.
“In the future we could envision this technology integrated into vehicle navigation, start / stop functionality and can even be used to help improve traffic flow in municipalities. These improvements could lead to better overall efficiency and shorter commuting times.”, he added.
“Continuous innovation in connected car services and advanced driver assistance systems that enrich and improve the customer experience is at the core of the Audi brand and our collective future,” said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America.
