JOINT RESEARCH ON IN-CAR COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

Fifteen Member countries of the Paris based Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) have joined efforts to investigate the present state-of-the-art of road-vehicle communication systems. The paper highlights past and on-going research and development emphasizing the need for compatibility and economic approaches. It describes motorists' needs and the requirements of public road agencies. The various systems are presented ranging from autonomous navigation aids to vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems reviewing present thinking on communication standards. Research requirements are listed and the need for an international evaluative research project of alternative pilot systems is indicated. The need for scientific and technical co-operation between Europe, Japan and North America is highlighted. This paper is based on an OECD report published in 1988 entitled 'Route guidance and in-car communication systems' (see IRRD 806354). For the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD 832076.