Global Automakers Says NHTSA's Connected Car ANPRM Is Right Move Towards Deployment

WASHINGTON -- Aug. 18, 2014: The Association of Global Automakers (Global Automakers) shares the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) commitment to exploring ways to improve safety on our highways and believes wireless vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications technology has the potential to save thousands of lives.

"NHTSA's kickoff of the rulemaking process for V2V communications demonstrates the country is well on its way to deploying this life saving technology," said John Bozzella, Global Automakers president and CEO. "This also means that more than ever we need to preserve the space on the spectrum that these safety systems rely on to operate."

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 in the 5.9 GHz frequency band. Currently, the Federal Communications Commission is exploring whether this spectrum can be shared with unlicensed Wi-Fi devices, a decision that automakers believe should not take place until it can be proven there will be no interference.

"There is no better use of this spectrum than to save lives," said Bozzella. "Communication delays of even thousandths of a single second matter when dealing with auto and highway safety. We look forward to continuing our work with NHTSA and other stakeholders to ensure V2V and V2I technology becomes successful in the marketplace."

Global Automakers and its members will review the ANPRM and provide a more detailed response in the coming months.