Driving the future! Michigan home to leading technology in IntelliDrive systems
Contact:
Greg Krueger, MDOT Statewide ITS Program Manager, 517-373-9479
Agency:
Transportation
May 6, 2009 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) continues to be a recognized leader in the development of IntelliDrive technologies and applications. The IntelliDrive program, formerly known as Vehicle Infrastructure Integration (VII), is designed to deliver a safer, more efficient driving experience through a combination of technologies that utilize a variety of wireless communications devices that are integrated into a vehicle.
"The Michigan IntelliDrive program is focused on enabling industries to do what they do best, develop technologies that can improve the driving experience of motorists in Michigan and across the country," said Greg Krueger, MDOT Statewide Intelligent Transportation Systems program manager. "We are providing partnership opportunities for those in the private and public sectors to invest their time and technology in IntelliDrive development facilities to help Michigan become a national leader in this important endeavor."
The announcement comes prior to the 2009 ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems) Michigan Annual Meeting and Exposition scheduled for May 12 and 13 at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi. This annual event features presentations and discussions of ITS issues by national experts and displays of advanced traffic management devices by leading vendors in the United States.
The U. S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and a consortium of automobile manufacturers and technology-based vendors and suppliers, in cooperation with MDOT and the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC), have deployed and tested a prototype system by linking vehicle-based information systems along selected roads in Oakland County. These tests have evaluated a variety of technologies and solutions by companies and organizations throughout the country. These applications will be demonstrated during the exposition.
"Michigan's work in this program has attracted attention from the national and international community due to our innovative nature and focus on the pursuit of deployable technologies that can benefit Michigan motorists in the near term," Krueger said. "Michigan's continued leadership in IntelliDrive is geared toward attracting jobs and employers to our state."