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Volvo’s smarter way of avoiding traffic jams
Inrix and Volvo Cars debut a global collaboration for real-time traffic information. – AFP/Relaxnews pic, November 4, 2015.Starting this month, Volvos will get even smarter and more connected thanks to a new partnership with Inrix that will bring live, up-to-the-moment news about congestion, traffic patterns and other warnings straight to the dashboard.
Volvo has been working hard at making its cars more connected and more autonomous, and at this year's LA Auto Show the manufacturer is expected to announce the official real-world launch of its first next-generation semi-autonomous features.
Dubbed "Time Machine", it won't permit the user to go back and correct historical wrongs or check up on their kids and ensure they made the right life choices but "it has the potential of giving significant time back to drivers," said Anders Tylman-Mikiewicz, general manager of the Volvo Monitoring and Concept Center.
However, ahead of Time Machine's first official demonstration on November 18, Volvo on Tuesday announced a partnership with Inrix, which could prove just as innovative for the future of personal mobility.
Inrix provides real-time traffic and congestion information including for accidents and can constantly readjust estimated times of arrival and the likelihood of a jam developing.
The information comes from sensors and from the telematics and infotainment systems of existing connected cars on the road and covers all road types across 42 countries and Volvo will be integrating it into its own infotainment system, Sensus Connect.
"The addition of Inrix Traffic to Sensus Connect is the next step in providing drivers with useful services for their everyday life in the car," said Fredrik Marthinsson, manager of Connected Navigation and Services at Volvo Cars.
"The real-time, dynamic flow of traffic information will allow Volvo drivers to find the fastest route with precise ETAs to their destination."
The new service will go live for Volvo XC90 owners later this month and will be offered on all new Volvo models as they are announced and released.
"Inrix is filling a critical gap for Volvo customers who expect a high standard of performance and innovation in their automobiles," said Bryan Mistele, president and CEO, Inrix.
"This global collaboration is another example of the breadth and quality of our traffic data, and indicates automakers' desire to solve a major pain point drivers face each day." – AFP/Relaxnews, November 4, 2015.
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