Nissan to Test 'Intelligent Transportation' System

PhysOrg.com, accessed 18 Sep 2006 Japanese carmaker Nissan said Friday it will mobilize 10,000 drivers in a 30-month experiment to develop an "intelligent transportation system" that sends wireless messages to passing cars. "Car approaching from left" and "School ahead. Watch your speed," are two voice messages which drivers will receive through the system which uses information obtained from nearby vehicles and roadside optical beacons. The information is received by an onboard antenna on the vehicle to alert drivers to potential danger from approaching vehicles or inform them of traffic congestion ahead. The test will start on October 1 on public roads in Kanagawa, just south of Tokyo, with the number-two Japanese carmaker hoping to commercialize the system in 2010. Read more