Global Automakers Welcomes NHTSA's Focus on Connected Vehicle Communications Technology

WASHINGTON--Feb. 3, 2014: The Association of Global Automakers (Global Automakers) believes wireless vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications technology has the potential to save thousands of lives and shares the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) commitment to exploring ways to improve safety on our highways.

"Through the auto industry's research partnership with NHTSA, we've already seen the promise connected car technology holds to significantly reduce automobile crash fatalities and injuries," said President and CEO, Michael J. Stanton. "We look forward to continuing to work with NHTSA and other stakeholders to ensure V2V technology becomes successful in the marketplace."

Several major automakers and numerous technology providers have been working with the Department of Transportation researching the potential safety benefits of V2V. These systems rely on wireless technology similar to Wi-Fi in the 5.9 GHz frequency band. Currently, the Federal Communications Commission is exploring opening this spectrum for sharing with unlicensed Wi-Fi devices, a decision that automakers believe should not be rushed.

"We're concerned that opening up the 5.9 GHz frequency band to other wireless users could cause harmful interference and affect the integrity of the V2V safety communications," said Stanton. "Communication delays of even thousandths of a single second matter when dealing with auto and highway safety. That's why we are working with the Wi-Fi industry to find out if this spectrum can safely be shared."