Intelligent transport systems (ITS) use telecommunications technology to bring together vehicles, people, and the traffic environment. ITS has potential for easing traffic congestion and reducing the number of accidents throughout Japan.
As an automotive maker, Mazda is actively participating in Japan's ITS project in cooperation with national government and local government bodies as well as related companies and the community in order to achieve a safe automotive society for everyone. By expanding the ITS Spot services*1 system mainly on the expressway 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.
Furthermore, Mazda is involved in the "Smart Traffic Flow Control" project*2 from not only a safety perspective, but also from an environmental protection perspective.
- *1This system has been mainly built on the highway in 1600 spots throughout Japan and started its service by March 2011. The system provides a wide range of information, including traffic information and images by using high-speed and large-capacity road-vehicle communication, in which signals are transmitted between the car navigation system and ITS spots on the road infrastructure.
- *2A traffic flow management system that utilizes intelligent vehicle driving control to promote safety while ensuring a smooth, continuous flow of traffic.
| 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; Universal Traffic Management Society of Japan (UTMS) |
| 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 |
