RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) has joined with other automotive, high-tech and intelligent transportation industry associations in founding the “Smart Transportation Innovation Coalition” to raise awareness of a new vision of transportation.
The formation of the coalition and its mission was announced this week in letters to all members of Congress and also through the first of a series of advertisements in Washington. (Click here to see the ad.)
The groups plan to work with elected officials and regulators in Washington to ensure the nation invests in transportation research, technology and innovation in order to stay competitive in today’s global economy.
“We are asking Congress to join us as we work together to build a safer, smarter, more efficient and sustainable transportation future,” said Steve Handschuh, president and CEO of MEMA, and co-signer of the letter to Congress. “The past decade has ushered in a new era of transportation innovation, and this Congress has a tremendous opportunity to accelerate the deployment of existing and next-generation technologies.”
The “Smart Transportation Innovation Coalition” will promote the development of future technologies such as:
* Rear-end collision avoidance: The most common crash could dramatically decline with more vehicles enabled with automatic braking, helping to mitigate injuries on our roads.
* Blind-spot monitoring: More vehicles equipped with blind-spot monitoring and other driver assists could help reduce crashes and save commuters’ time spent in rush-hour congestion.
* Road-side transmitters: These transmitters could alert cars to icy conditions ahead, helping to avoid crashes and save lives.
* Internet connectivity: Connected cars can route drivers around emerging traffic jams, helping to reduce greenhouse gases and save fuel.
* More consumer repair options: Through over the air software updates and new diagnostic technology, consumers have more options for repairing their vehicles that save time and money.
* Smart cities: Drivers can find parking places from information in their cars, reducing traffic and fuel spent searching for an open spot.
* Intelligent transportation systems: Used at busy intersections, these technologies can help to reduce pedestrian injuries.
* Vehicles with self-driving functions: These vehicles will help the elderly to keep mobile – and safe.
* New forms of transportation: After seeing safer, cleaner, more efficient travel of motor vehicles, engineers and researchers from a range of industries can engage in developing innovative new technologies for transportation.
The other industry groups joining with MEMA in “Smart Transportation Innovation Coalition” are: Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, Association of Global Automakers, Information Technology Industry Council, Intelligent Car Coalition, Intelligent Transportation Society America and National Automobile Dealers Association.
