Germany is positioning itself as a leader in autonomous vehicle (AV) innovation with its new ‘Strategy for Automated and Connected Driving,’ spearheaded by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport Affairs (BMDV).
A cornerstone of this initiative is the deployment of Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS), which enables seamless vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication.
Kapsch TrafficCom AG, a key industry player, is supporting the strategy with advanced technology, which is currently operational on German freeways and provides real-time traffic management and direct vehicle communication. The strategy outlines the fundamentals, potential, objectives, action areas, and implementation of autonomous public transport in a comprehensive handbook, guiding stakeholders through all phases.
Germany aims to bolster public transport efficiency, enhance traffic flow, and strengthen international collaboration to achieve harmonized, autonomous driving standards. Although this development trails the U.S. and China in terms of operational driverless systems, Germany’s autonomous vehicular projects—MOIA and KIRA—mark critical steps in achieving its vision for a future governed by interconnected and innovative transportation.
