AUDI BACKED ‘TRAVOLUTION’ PROJECT GETS THE GREEN LIGHT

New traffic management system enables communication between cars and traffic lights to reduce ‘stop-start’ inefficiency

Frustrating, fuel-sapping stops at red traffic lights could soon be the exception rather than the rule thanks to a new initiative being championed by Audi aimed at streamlining urban traffic flow and reducing CO2 emissions.

The experimental ‘Travolution’ system, developed with Audi support by traffic management experts in the brand’s German home town of Ingolstadt, will not only improve synchronisation and phasing of traffic light networks to reduce stopping times, but could also dramatically reduce the number of actual stops needed by creating a communications link between cars and the traffic light network.

Communications modules built into each traffic light are able to send messages to cars in the vicinity, alerting them to the time remaining until their next green phase. The car’s onboard system is then able to calculate the speed which the driver must maintain in order to pass through the light during this green phase, and displays this via the Multi Media Interface display.

A network of 46 of the ‘intelligent’ traffic lights has been installed in the centre of Ingolstadt, the software to which they are all linked optimising their phasing to bring stopping times down to a minimum, reducing fuel consumption and pollution in the process.

Of the 46 light gantries, three have been upgraded to enable communication with the specially modified A5 and A6 Avant models provided by Audi as part of the 1.2-million Euro pilot project. A further 20 cars and 50 light installations are to be incorporated as the project evolves.


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Audi UK has enjoyed an exceptionally rapid rise to prominence in the premium sector. Since 2000, when just over 43,000 Audi models found homes in the UK, the brand has consistently broken its annual sales records year-on-year, and in 2007 successfully passed the milestone 100,000 sales barrier. It is continuing to perform exceptionally well in a declining market by extending its reach into important new segments with strong offerings such as the A3 Cabriolet, A5, RS 6, Q7 and R8, and by consolidating its presence in its traditional heartland with core models like the all-new A4 and A4 Avant.

For further information please contact:

Robin Davies,                                      Telephone: 01908 601407
Product Affairs Manager                       e-mail: robin.davies@audi.co.uk
                                                             
Kate Dixon,                                         Telephone: 01908 601629
Media Relations Manager                     e-mail: kate.dixon@audi.co.uk

Juliet Carrington,                                  Telephone: 01908 601016
Press Fleet and                                   e-mail: juliet.carrington@audi.co.uk
VIP Relations Manager                                   
                                                             
David Ingram,                                       Telephone: 01908 601413
Press Relations Manager,                     e-mail: david.ingram@audi.co.uk
Product and Technology

Jon Zammett, Head of PR                     Telephone: 01908 601455
                                                          e-mail: jon.zammett@audi.co.uk


Traffic mastering Audis – Traffic flow could be improved and pollution reduced by new intelligent traffic light control technology under development with help from Audi. Software created as part of the Travolution project not only optimises traffic light network phasing but also allows individual lights to ‘talk’ to cars in the vicinity, reducing the need for stopping.