At the ITS World Congress 2021 in Hamburg, Volkswagen will propose ideas for an integrated, future-proof transportation system
From October 11 to 15, 2021, at the ITS World Congress in Hamburg, the world’s largest industry event for intelligent transportation systems, the Volkswagen Group will exhibit solutions for the efficient, sustainable, safe, and easy flow of people and products. Autonomous driving, the intelligent utilization of vehicle data, and the integration of electric cars into the power grid will be the focal points. With live demonstrations of pioneering pilot projects, discussion panels, lectures, and expert presentations, the Group will provide a venue for interested parties and specialists with its Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, MOIA, CARIAD, Elli, and MAN Truck & Bus brands.
“Intelligent transportation systems play a vital role in future-proofing mobility in cities and beyond,” says Gernot Döllner, Senior Vice President Group Strategy at Volkswagen. They are the foundation for carbon-neutral, connected, safe, and customized mobility solutions, as well as important components of our NEW AUTO Group strategy. We will make people and commodities movement even more efficient, sustainable, and convenient in collaboration with our partners.”
As a driver of the transportation revolution, autonomous ridesharing
Autonomous driving is an important technology for the Volkswagen Group, since it offers new mobility choices and enhances road safety. In a pilot project in Hamburg, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, MOIA, and ARGO AI are developing an autonomous ridesharing system that will go into serial production in 2025. MOIA will demonstrate how large-scale autonomous ridesharing may contribute to the mobility revolution at ITS via an interactive simulation. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will also allow visitors to experience several usage scenarios of self-driving shuttles for the transfer of goods and passengers using a 1:2 model of the ID.BUZZ AD01. The findings of the joint “Hamburg TruckPilot” project between MAN Truck & Bus and Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) will be presented. In the HHLA container terminal Altenwerder, the two businesses proved that autonomous vehicles are technologically feasible in real-world applications and can be integrated efficiently into logistical processes.
Data sharing for improved traffic safety and efficiency
At the World Congress, CARIAD will present information on data-driven services that assist enhance traffic safety and flow. For example, authorities in Europe and the United States may currently enhance road repair and winter services using anonymised data from Group cars. Up to 40 million Group cars will be cloud-connected by 2030, allowing for safe access to anonymised vehicle and environmental data. Volkswagen is also a member of the newly formed Mobility Data Space, which will demonstrate first use cases at the ITS. Companies and organizations may safely and autonomously share data in the digital space in order to allow and promote novel mobility concepts.
Electric vehicles save money and reduce CO2 emissions when they are integrated into the electricity infrastructure
Another important subject is the gradual transition to e-mobility. From wall boxes to internet services, Elli is building a full energy ecosystem around the car. Electric cars are becoming part of the energy system as mobile storage units, thanks to the use of high-voltage batteries, which the Group company will show at ITS. Bidirectional charging further boosts e-involvement mobility’s in the energy transition: self-generated power from renewable sources may be stored in the car and supplied back into the house as needed. Customers are not only less reliant on the public electricity system, but they also save money and CO2. From 2022 onwards, Volkswagen Group brands are expected to offer this technology in vehicles based on the MEB modular electric drive matrix.
Cooperation as a transformational success factor
Cooperation initiatives with cities, industry partners, and government organizations are critical for Volkswagen in developing an integrated, future-proof transportation system. Since 2016, the Group has maintained a particularly strong city connection with Hamburg. Volkswagen sponsored Hamburg’s bid to host the ITS World Congress this year, in addition to completing particular projects. The Group has been an active participant in the organizing and preparation of the ITS as a key partner, and it provides guests a comprehensive congress program. Volkswagen will host “Future Mobility Sessions” at its booth from October 12 to 14, 2021, at 10 a.m. each day (B5210). A single MOIA Classic ride to ITS on October 14 from 12 noon to 8 p.m. (Public Day) will cost one euro.