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INGOLSTADT, Germany — Going green in the automotive world isn't strictly limited to such things as plug-in electric vehicles. Audi AG on Tuesday took a different approach, announcing what it described as "trend-setting concepts for traffic infrastructure" with an eco-friendly twist.
The German automaker's "Travolution" team unveiled its concepts for the traffic infrastructure of the future, including a clever idea that tinkers with the flow of traffic, thus cutting fuel consumption. Travolution's ideas blend "intelligent cars" with a networkwide control of traffic lights. The setup "significantly reduced stopping due to traffic lights, while also minimizing traffic-related pollution," said Audi in a statement.
The software system has been undergoing a trial run at 46 traffic lights here. One intriguing part of the project is called "the informed driver." "For this, three traffic lights have been equipped with communications modules that send the time for the next green phase to the car's onboard computer," the company said. "Audi has made an Audi A5 and A6 Avant available as test vehicles for this part of the project. The drivers of these cars are informed through the Audi MMI infotainment system at what speed they should travel in order to drive through the intersection without having to stop."
Audi adds: "The car thus becomes a component of the networked world." The German automaker said it expects further joint projects to follow from its Travolution team and its venture partners
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=129767
The German automaker's "Travolution" team unveiled its concepts for the traffic infrastructure of the future, including a clever idea that tinkers with the flow of traffic, thus cutting fuel consumption. Travolution's ideas blend "intelligent cars" with a networkwide control of traffic lights. The setup "significantly reduced stopping due to traffic lights, while also minimizing traffic-related pollution," said Audi in a statement.
The software system has been undergoing a trial run at 46 traffic lights here. One intriguing part of the project is called "the informed driver." "For this, three traffic lights have been equipped with communications modules that send the time for the next green phase to the car's onboard computer," the company said. "Audi has made an Audi A5 and A6 Avant available as test vehicles for this part of the project. The drivers of these cars are informed through the Audi MMI infotainment system at what speed they should travel in order to drive through the intersection without having to stop."
Audi adds: "The car thus becomes a component of the networked world." The German automaker said it expects further joint projects to follow from its Travolution team and its venture partners
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=129767
