From 2019, Volkswagen Group brands will use the WLANp standard to communicate with other vehicles and traffic infrastructure. The technology will be included as standard on volume models from compact cars to commercial vehicles. It enables information on the environment 500m around the vehicle to be transmitted within a few milliseconds. It also provides the basis for truck platooning.
“All the conditions for the rapid introduction of this technology have been met,” said Dr Ulrich Eichhorn, head of research and development at the Volkswagen Group. “With WLANp networking, which has been thoroughly tried and tested and is now ready for use, we will significantly improve road safety throughout Europe. This will take us one step closer to Vision Zero, the vision of accident-free driving.”
The company says that the area-wide introduction of standardised WLANp, which has already been comprehensively tested, will provide a reliable system for operators of traffic infrastructure (such as traffic lights), and fleets (emergency service and construction site vehicles). This way, information on traffic flow, accidents, roadworks and other relevant situations and events can be made available in the local area.