(September 18, 2012) GOTHENBURG, Sweden — The latest test drive marks the final chapter in a three-year project which has seen the development of the next step in autonomous driving technology. Since 2009, Volvo Car Corporation has been the driving force behind the EU funded SARTRE project (Safe Road-Trains for the Environment), bringing vehicle platooning technology — "road trains" — one step closer to becoming a reality on Europe's roads.
Vehicle platooning aims to improve safety, efficiency, mileage, and travel time while relieving traffic congestion and decreasing pollution.
The technology — which could be seen on highways within a decade — allows the driver to join a "road train" lead by one professional driver. Each car measures the distance, speed and direction and adjusts to the car in front.
All vehicles are totally detached and can leave the procession at any time. Once in the platoon, drivers can relax and take in the scenery, read or catch up on work while the platoon proceed towards its destination. SARTRE is the only project of its kind to focus on the development of technology that can be implemented on conventional highways without any change to current infrastructure.
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