Berlin Technology Demonstrations Highlight Life-Saving Potential of Latest Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything Tech
BERLIN, 25 October 2024 – The 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) this week demonstrated the latest innovations in the Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) technology family to help achieve “Vision Zero” for all road users. The demonstrations illustrated the potential of 5G-V2X to enable new use cases integrated across multiple automakers, service providers, and mobile network operators.
For the very first time, 5GAA demonstrated 5G-V2X Direct technology integration in Audi and BMW vehicles with the support of 5GAA members Autotalks, Bosch, Commsignia, and Fraunhofer FOKUS. This demonstration illustrated how technology can alert drivers about pedestrians and cyclists even before they can see them, leveraging sensors and a camera feed from other vehicles. The demonstrations showed the high bandwidth and low latency performance characteristics of 5G-V2X Direct using ETSI Release 2 messages.
5GAA members Bosch, Commsignia, Deutsche Telekom, Ericsson, Keysight Technologies, LG Electronics, Mercedes-Benz and Vodafone, and the Coalition for Cyclist Safety, showcased ready-to-deploy, interoperable applications to increase awareness of vulnerable road users and emergency vehicles on public roads in central Berlin. Safety awareness alerts were delivered via 4G and 5G networks with low latency thanks to Multi-Access-Edge Computing and precise positioning, as verified by Anritsu’sperformance measurements. ETSI-standardised messages were shared in real time between apps from various service providers.
“In Germany and across Europe, the ecosystem is ready to leverage the tens of millions of vehicles already connected via mobile networks and is now geared for the 2nd generation technology with 5G-V2X including direct communications,” said 5GAA Chairman Christoph Voigt.
Autotalks and Bosch, together with Commsignia, demonstrated the benefits of collective perception related to vulnerable road users. Ettifos, Keysight Technologies, Rohde & Schwarz and SEA Datentechnik also exhibited 5G-V2X Direct interoperability and conformity solutions and radio performance verification.
To show that C-V2X is about both safety and efficiency, Audi, supported by Commsignia and Autotalks, demonstrated a use case for “cooperative parking” based on 5G-V2X Direct.
In line with 5GAA’s Visionary 2030 Roadmap, 5G is continuously being deployed in many car models and 5G-V2X Direct is expected to be mass-deployed in commercial vehicle models as early as 2026. This week’s event underlined the continuous commitment of major European automakers to 5G-V2X following 5GAA’s Open Statement[1] in 2023.
About the 5GAA
The 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) is a global, cross-industry organization of more than 120 members, including leading global automakers, Tier-1 suppliers, mobile operators, semiconductor companies, and test equipment vendors. 5GAA members work together to develop end-to-end solutions for future mobility and transport services. 5GAA is committed to helping define and develop the next generation of connected mobility, automated vehicles, and intelligent transport solutions based on C-V2X. For more information about 5GAA, please visit www.5GAA.org.
For further information
Please see our brochure about the Berlin demonstrations here:https://5gaa.org/content/uploads/2024/10/5gaa-berlin-demos-brochure.pdf
Media contact: marcom@5GAA.org
[1] https://5gaa.org/content/uploads/2024/10/5gaa-open-letter-september-2023.pdf
Incorporation of uncrewed ground robots in ITS
Uncrewed ground robots (UGRs), such as delivery bots and road maintenance machines, are rapidly being tested and deployed worldwide. These robots operate autonomously on roads and sidewalks, performing tasks like deliveries and road cleaning. Countries such as the U.S., Korea, and Japan are already establishing regulations to integrate UGRs safely into public spaces.
While UGRs are becoming more common, their interaction with current intelligent transportation systems (ITS) is still evolving. Most ITS standards focus on vehicles carrying people, so UGRs, which introduce new safety and visibility challenges, have not been fully addressed.
Many UGRs will connect via 4G/5G networks for fleet management, but questions remain about how autonomous or remotely controlled they will be. Integrating UGRs into C-V2X (Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything) communication could enhance safety by improving interaction with other vehicles, pedestrians, and infrastructure, paving the way for safer and more efficient roads.
Find the full report here.
5GAA Welcomes Release of Updated U.S. DOT Deployment Plan for Lifesaving V2X Technologies
WASHINGTON, D.C., August 16, 2024 – The 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) welcomes the publication of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s updated V2X Deployment Plan and USDOT’s continuing commitment to the deployment of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications technologies on America’s roads.
The National V2X Deployment Plan outlines USDOT’s vision and specific milestones for the deployment of V2X. Cellular-vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) technology allows cars, trucks and other vehicles to send important safety alerts with one another, with road infrastructure and with vulnerable road users securely and in real-time, with two complementary transmission modes (direct and mobile network communications).
“Today’s release establishes clear objectives for future public and private investments in V2X in U.S. road transportation networks,” said John F. Kwant, Executive Director, Americas, for 5GAA. “V2X technologies are key to enabling the deployment of connected motor vehicles and roadside infrastructure that can sharply reduce road fatalities, a key goal of the National Road Safety Strategy. “
Unlocking the full potential of V2X technologies requires as many road users, traffic signals and other traffic infrastructure as possible to be able to seamlessly communicate with one another and share information with a broader network. 5GAA believes that this requires the deployment to be nationwide, secure and interoperable, provide solutions for existing vehicles as well as new vehicles, and include interfaces for both C-V2X direct and network communications modes (cellular and non-terrestrial networks).
About 5GAA
The 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) is a global, cross-industry organization of over 120 members, including leading global automakers, Tier-1 suppliers, mobile operators, semiconductor companies, and test equipment vendors. 5GAA members work together to develop end-to-end solutions for future mobility and transport services. 5GAA is committed to helping define and develop the next generation of connected mobility, automated vehicle, and intelligent transport solutions based on C-V2X.
For more information, please contact:
- John Kwant: john.kwant@5gaa.org
- 5GAA Communications Team: marcom@5gaa.org
5GAA Annual Report Charts Global Path for C-V2X Deployment
The 5G Automotive Association has released its annual report for 2023, highlighting significant strides made towards global deployment of cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) technology and connected mobility solutions. The report details the association’s achievements across key areas, all working towards a more connected and automated transportation ecosystem.
Strong Membership and Global Reach
5GAA grew to 126 members in 2023, including leading names from the automotive (11 out of the top 15 carmakers), mobile network operator (8 out of the top 10 MNOs), and smartphone vendor industries (2 top vendors). This diverse membership fosters strong cross-industry collaboration with a global footprint.
Beyond membership, 5GAA actively maintained partnerships with over 40 organisations, including standards development organisations, public administrations, and certification bodies. Notably, 2023 saw the signing of a cooperation agreement with ITS America and renewed Memoranda of Understanding with ITS Korea and 5G Forum.
Recognising the varying pace of V2X deployment across regions, 5GAA continued to expand its reach. In addition to existing regional regulatory-focused sub-groups, a dedicated taskforce was established for India, a promising V2X market. The association also continued to advocate for a scalable and federated approach to managing road traffic information.
Contributing to Standards
Standardisation has been a core focus of the 5GAA since its early days. In 2023, the association and its members participated in 3GPP Release-19 discussions, providing critical automotive industry input as a Market Representation Partner (MRP). This cooperation aims to ensure that C-V2X technology development aligns with global needs. Additionally, 5GAA contributed to regional standardisation efforts by giving input to bodies like ETSI, SAE, and C-SAE.
In Conversation with Policymakers
The association actively engages with policymakers and regulatory bodies around the world. In Europe, 5GAA issued a joint statement with leading European carmakers urging the deployment of 5G-V2X technology in Europe. The association also welcomed positive developments such as FCC waivers for C-V2X deployment in the US, Korea’s selection of C-V2X direct communication as its technology of choice, and Japan’s consideration of using the upper 30 MHz in the 5.9 GHz band for V2X direct communications.
These engagements play a vital role in establishing sufficient regulatory support for the mass adoption of C-V2X technology.
Two Succesful Workshops
Throughout 2023, 5GAA hosted workshops with key stakeholders to identify challenges and advance technology innovation. In The Hague, Netherlands, a workshop focused on C-V2X mass market deployment in real-life traffic. Similarly, a high-level conference, “The Future of Connected Mobility in South Korea,” was held in Seoul. Discussions centered on how connected mobility and ITS can advance road safety and automated driving in the Korean transport ecosystem.
Technical Progress
In 2023, 5GAA maintained a strong work program. The association successfully completed 12 work items, launched 28 new ones for development in 2024, and published 18 technical reports. Key areas of focus included Day 1 V2X services, Automated Valet Parking (AVP) solutions, and interoperability testing for Vulnerable Road User (VRU) protection, with a series of live demonstrations in Mcity, Michigan.
Looking Ahead
5GAA has developed a solid strategic roadmap for its activities in 2024. Over the next months, the association will focus on:
- Prioritising the execution and implementation of readily available or “Day 1” technology and services;
- Accelerating the wide-scale deployment of Day 1 V2X services over mobile network communications;
- Developing an end-to-end AVP service implementation and continuing to advance interoperability among members’ VRUs solutions;
- Tackling technical or political hurdles that prevent the mass roll-out of LTE-V2X direct communications in targeted markets, while laying the groundwork for 5G-V2X direct;
- Chartering a transition path or mitigation measures to ensure continuity of legacy services; and
- Continuing to investigate the potential of emerging technologies like positioning-as-a-service (PaaS), non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), and integrated sensing and communication for V2X applications.
The 5GAA 2023 annual report underscores the association’s vital role in shaping the future of mobility. By fostering collaboration amongst key stakeholders and driving industry progress, 5GAA paves the way for a safer, more efficient, and automated transportation ecosystem.
5GAA Welcomes the European Parliament’s Adoption of a Forward-Looking ITS Directive Revision
Earlier today, Tuesday 3rd October, the European Parliament by an overwhelming majority voted to approve the ITS Directive Revision. 5GAA commends policymakers and rapporteur Plumb for the adoption of a forward-looking ITS Directive that promotes technological innovation, and ultimately, the large-scale deployment of intelligent transport systems across Europe. We now encourage the Council of the EU to swiftly approve the text.
5GAA further welcomes the recognition of the technology neutrality principle, now enshrined within the ITS Directive. This principle now guarantees a focus on service delivery, providing a level playing field and the opportunity to reposition the European industry in the global race for automotive connectivity.
As underlined in 5GAA’s recent open statement, the industry, including the major European carmakers, is moving beyond past technology disputes to converge towards 5G-V2X, including direct communications, as the future reference technology for automotive direct connectivity and an important enabler of automated driving.
This commitment, combined with the adoption of the ITS Directive, will give new impetus to connected cars in Europe. As per the 5GAA Visionary 2030 Roadmap, 5G-V2X is expected to be mass-deployed in commercial vehicle models starting from the time horizon 2026-2029
The European Commission will have 12 months from the Directive’s entry into force, to consult the European ITS Advisory Group and relevant stakeholders to adopt a working program through an implementing act. 5GAA stands ready to contribute to the elaboration of the new ITS Work Programme.
We look forward to continuing the collaboration between EU institutions and industry to make cooperative, connected and automated mobility a reality for a smarter, safer and more environmentally friendly European transport ecosystem.
About 5GAA
The 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) is a global, cross-industry organization of over 120 members, including leading global automakers, Tier-1 suppliers, mobile operators, semiconductor companies, and test equipment vendors. 5GAA members work together to develop end-to-end solutions for future mobility and transport services. 5GAA is committed to helping define and develop the next generation of connected mobility, automated vehicle, and intelligent transport solutions based on C-V2X. For more information, visit our website.
Media Contact
5GAA Communications Team: marcom@5gaa.org
Open statement: Europe Converging towards 5G-V2X Including Direct Communications
Ready to move forward with state-of-the-art technology, the major European carmakers, representing jointly over 70% market share, want to demonstrate their commitment to bridging differences and working together towards the widespread adoption of 5G-V2X.
With this initiative and recognising the need to strike a consensus, 5GAA and its members have charted a unified path forward for Europe in an open letter to policymakers, regulatory bodies, and industry players. The 5GAA announcement echoes the recently published position of the French Automotive Industry representative body (Plateforme Automobile – PFA, representing also 5GAA members like Renault, Stellantis and Valeo) designating 5G-V2X as the technology of choice for V2X direct communication.
Find the complete letter here.
About 5GAA
The 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) is a global, cross-industry organization of over 120 members, including leading global automakers, Tier-1 suppliers, mobile operators, semiconductor companies, and test equipment vendors. 5GAA members work together to develop end-to-end solutions for future mobility and transport services. 5GAA is committed to helping define and develop the next generation of connected mobility, automated vehicle, and intelligent transport solutions based on C-V2X.
Media Contact
5GAA Communications Team: marcom@5gaa.org
Press Release: Automotive Giants at 5GAA Unite around the Future of Connected Mobility
Brussels, 28 September 2023– 5GAA announces a ground-breaking initiative to give new impetus to connected cars in Europe, based on 5G-V2X technology including direct communications, moving beyond past technology disputes.
Ready to move forward with state-of-the-art technology, the major European carmakers, representing jointly over 70% market share[1], want to demonstrate their commitment to bridging differences and working together towards the widespread adoption of 5G-V2X.
5G-V2X includes 5G-V2X mobile network communications (already deployed in vehicles since 2021 on our roads), complemented with 5G-V2X direct communications. 5G-V2X will provide essential and advanced connected car services, enhancing road safety, especially for vulnerable road users, decreasing traffic congestion, and improving overall mobility efficiency and driver comfort.
Following the provisional deal between the Council and the Parliament in June 2023 on the revision of the Directive on Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS)[2], 5GAA looks forward to the EU institutions adopting the final text as soon as possible. The revised Directive will give the industry the necessary legal certainty to invest in 5G-V2X direct communications deployment, as it explicitly acknowledges technology neutrality.
The letter highlights the need for convergence and action to break the current stalemate and reposition the European Union in the global race for automotive connectivity as other world regions are making swift progress.
“By pledging their commitment to this open letter, leading OEMs demonstrate their commitment to bridging differences and working together towards the widespread adoption of 5G-V2X technology, the second generation of V2X technologies. This collective marks a pivotal starting point in Europe’s “race to 5G-V2X” spearheaded by 5GAA and its members. Extensive efforts are underway to tackle the technical and regulatory challenges that impede the timely deployment of 5G-V2X, aligning with the 5GAA roadmap”
Christoph Voigt, Chairman of the 5GAA Board and Head of R&D Connectivity at Audi.
With this initiative and recognising the need to strike a consensus, 5GAA and its members have charted a unified path forward for Europe in an open letter to policymakers, regulatory bodies, and industry players. The 5GAA announcement echoes the recently published position[3] of the French Automotive Industry representative body (Plateforme Automobile – PFA, representing also 5GAA members like Renault, Stellantis and Valeo) designating 5G-V2X as the technology of choice for V2X direct communication.
Our Member Vehicle Manufacturers Quotes
BMW is dedicated to investing in research and development to further harness the potential of 5G-V2X technology. By supporting the adoption of 5G-V2X technology, we aim to create a connected ecosystem that enhances the overall driving experience and contributes to a greener and smarter future.
Nicolai Kraemer, Vice President Connected Vehicle Platforms, BMW.
We look forward to the next steps the industry is taking for the broader deployment of technology to help enable a future where vehicles can ‘talk’ to similarly equipped vehicles, devices and road infrastructure which has the potential to help provide safer and more enjoyable on-road experiences.
Andre Welch, Director of Government Relations, Ford Motor Company.
JLR is committed to C-V2X delivery within its new generation of vehicles and fully supports 5GAA’s letter promoting European implementation of C-V2X.
Murray Paul, Director of Public Affairs, JLR
Renault’s approach to safety and substantial investments in safety-related R&D illustrates its transition from a traditional car manufacturer to a leading mobility services and tech company.
Arnaud Belloni, VP Renault Brand, Global Marketing
Renault’s safety vision within Human First program goes beyond designing safe cars. Renault is striving for technological advancements and driving innovation towards keeping everybody safe on the roads.
Katrin Matthes, Renault Software & System VP Innovation and Technology
Stellantis in pursuing its Dare Forward 2030 strategy encompassing the technology evolution for the connected and autonomous vehicle.
Francesco Lilli, Stellantis Global Head of Advanced Connectivity
5GAA V2X roadmap draws a common direction to enable on a global basis an efficient and safe mobility.
El Khamis Kadiri, Stellantis Connectivity & EE Expert
Media Contact
5GAA Communications Team: marcom@5gaa.org
[1] ACEA Passenger Car Registrations 2022, January 2023
[2] Council and Parliament strike a deal on the roll-out of intelligent transport systems, 08 June 2023
[3] https://pfa-auto.fr/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/PTF_V2X_short-range-radio-technology-choice_2023.pdf
European Space-enabled Connectivity Solutions for the Car of the Future
Together with ESA, and the German Space Agency at DLR, 5GAA (5G Automotive Association), will host the ‘European Space-enabled Connectivity Solutions for the Car of the Future’ Workshop in Munich on November 6 and 7, 2023. The workshop is all about satellite solutions for the digital transformation of the automotive sector. Find out more here.
Evolution of Vehicular Communication Systems Beyond 5G
In recent years, 5G communication standards have started systematically addressing the wireless communication requirements of vertical industries such as the automotive sector.
The development of 5G communications systems for vehicular use cases, referred to as 5G-V2X, has enabled several automotive services that significantly improve the level of safety, efficiency and comfort experienced by traffic participants. In this context, joint efforts from stakeholders in telecommunications and transportation play an essential role in making these services a reality.
The 5G Automotive Association (5GAA), a cross-industry organisation, has over the past five years devoted significant time and effort into better understanding the use cases and requirements for developing technical solutions, carrying out trials, building business models and market strategies, and fostering multi-industry consensus among relevant communication standards organisations.
Such an endeavour is bringing end-to-end mobility solutions based on common understanding and setting the stage to support their smooth rollout in several regions.
Download the report here
C-V2X Mass-Market Deployment in Real-Life Traffic
In the course of the 25th meeting week in The Hague, we successfully hosted the “C-V2X Mass-Market Deployment in Real-Life Traffic” Conference, which attracted a diverse audience including our esteemed members and several distinguished external guests.
On this note, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the speakers who contributed their expertise and insights to the conference:
- Wim Vandenberghe, Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management
- Erika Decorte, Flanders Authority for Roads and Traffic
- Menno Malta, Monotch
- René Spaan, City of Helmond
- Gerad Berendschot, Ambulance Care, Netherlands
- Andreas Schaller, Bosch
Find the presentations here.