Intelligent transport systems (ITS) use telecommunications technology to bring together vehicles, people, and the traffic environment. ITS has potential to ease traffic congestion and to reduce the number of accidents throughout Japan. As an automotive maker, Mazda actively participates in Japan's ITS projects in cooperation with the national government and local government bodies as well as related companies and the community in order to achieve a safe automotive society for everyone. Since the ITS Spot services*1 system had been made available mainly on expressways throughout Japan by March 2011, Mazda and other automakers are working together with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to promote widespread use of the system. In FY March 2012, accessories for the DSRC-compatible road-to-vehicle communication system*2 into Mazda vehicles were set up.
- *1This system has been mainly built on highways in 1600 spots throughout Japan and started its service in March 2011. The system provides a wide range of information, including traffic information and images, using high-speed and large-capacity road-vehicle communications, in which signals are transmitted between the car navigation system and ITS spots on the road infrastructure.
- *2Dedicated Short Range Communications. This system has been built mainly on expressways in approx. 1600 ITS spots throughout Japan, providing advanced communication services and toll payment services at service areas on expressways.
| Project | Description | Organizer |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Way | Research and preparation of next-generation road systems using ITS technology, linking people, vehicles, and roads by means of information, mainly for expressways and toll roads | Road Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism |
| DSSS(Driving Safety Support Systems) | Research and development of driving safety support systems utilizing road-vehicle communication, in which signals are transmitted between vehicles and the road infrastructure, as well as systems to enable smooth traffic flow | National Police Agency, UTMS*3 |
| ASV(Advanced Safety Vehicle) | Research and development of driving safety support systems utilizing inter-vehicle communication, in which signals are transmitted between vehicles | Road Transport Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism |
| ITS Promotion Council | Promoting verification of road-vehicle/inter-vehicle systems and development/dissemination of driving safety support systems to solve problems in practical applications of driving safety support systems, in cooperation with relevant government authorities and industries | Cabinet Secretariat |
- *3Universal Traffic Management Society of Japan
