Connectivity between different vehicles — as well as between vehicles and transport infrastructure in the vicinity — is another important step towards connected motoring that aims to reduce road accidents or minimise their consequences.

As from 2019, Volkswagen will start fitting certain models with pWLAN as standard.

This technology will allow information about the current traffic situation, accidents and other situations relating to traffic conditions to be shared with the local environment (within a radius of about 500m) in a few milliseconds.

The technology used by Volkswagen is based on IEEE 802.11p (pWLAN), which the automotive industry has standardised and tested for direct non-proprietary inter-vehicle communication, as well as between vehicles and transport infrastructure.

Johannes Neft, VW’s head of vehicle body development, said: “What matters most is that the technology is used consistently, and by as many manufacturers and partners as possible.”