Skip to main content

iMobility Challenge showcases intelligent vehicles at ITS congress in Helsinki

The iMobility Challenge presented intelligent vehicle systems to policy makers, ITS professionals and the general public in Helsinki during the European ITS Congress. The highlight of the day was the participation of the Formula One driver, Valtteri Bottas, in an eco-driving competition. The competition evaluated a short drive in Helsinki by the F1 driver giving him a ‘smart’ driving score, thanks to an on-board device monitoring the energy-efficiency of his driving style. Visitors then had the chance to
June 17, 2014 Read time: 2 mins
The iMobility Challenge presented intelligent vehicle systems to policy makers, ITS professionals and the general public in Helsinki during the 438 European ITS Congress. The highlight of the day was the participation of the Formula One driver, Valtteri Bottas, in an eco-driving competition.

The competition evaluated a short drive in Helsinki by the F1 driver giving him a ‘smart’ driving score, thanks to an on-board device monitoring the energy-efficiency of his driving style. Visitors then had the chance to take the same drive and compare their score to Bottas’ performance, while learning key techniques for driving in a more energy efficient manner.

Bottas said: “The road is not the race track, so when I drive in the city I aim to drive in a safe and efficient manner. It is great that modern technologies help drivers understand how their driving style affects their energy consumption, and make responsible driving fun.”

Of the event, FIA president Jean Todt said: “Innovative vehicle technologies, such as car connectivity, mark the start of a new era in mobility that will provide safer, greener and smarter driving experiences. I am happy that the FIA is coordinating the iMobility Challenge, a project which demonstrates a more intelligent vision for our daily mobility.”

Zoran Stančič, deputy director general of the 1690 European Commission’s DG Connect said: “Digital technologies are key enablers for taking the next steps in realising truly cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems which connect vehicles and infrastructure so that they can communicate continuously. This will help cars to find the best routes, to avoid congestion and even to prevent collisions. Awareness campaigns are very useful and powerful tools to support the large-scale deployment of digital systems for safe, efficient and sustainable mobility. iMobility Challenge events are a great platform for this purpose."

Other test rides and demonstrations included autonomous braking by 609 Volvo, self-parking cars by Citroën and 278 Ford, 838 Nissan and 278 Ford electric cars and additional driver monitoring tools demonstrated by Helpten and Driveco.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Ertico weaves tunnel visions into the ‘big picture’
    April 7, 2017
    As he takes the wheel at Ertico - ITS Europe, Jacob Bangsgaard talks to ITS International about the challenges and opportunities facing the organisation and the ITS industry. Ertico - ITS Europe’s new CEO, Jacob Bangsgaard, is no stranger to the organisation having spent five years there before moving to the FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) in 2006. Four years later he became director general of the FIA’s Region I (EMEA), which represents more than 100 mobility clubs, and in 2012 he joined Er
  • Connected vehicles - potential to transform US transportation
    April 12, 2013
    There’s a new face in the driving seat at the US Department of Transport’s ITS Joint Program Office. Fortunately, as Robin Meczes finds out, he’s no learner driver… Ask Kenneth Leonard why he wanted his new job as director of the ITS Joint Program Office, and his answer comes back without a second’s delay. “The potential to save lives, reduce injuries and help people enjoy a more efficient transportation system is the kind of challenge that makes me want to come to work each morning,” he says. “In my opinio
  • ITS European Congress expo ‘biggest ever’, says Ertico
    March 28, 2019
    For anybody interested in the latest trends in smart and integrated mobility, June’s ITS European Congress in Brainport-Eindhoven represents an opportunity to share knowledge and learn about the latest technologies and policy developments. That is the message from organiser Ertico – ITS Europe, which adds that the Congress in the Netherlands is expected to attract around 3,000 participants from over 50 countries, and will feature more than 100 sessions and workshops, many demonstrations and technical to
  • Ford targets fully autonomous vehicle in 2021
    August 17, 2016
    Ford has announced its intention to have a high-volume, fully autonomous vehicle in commercial operation in 2021. The new vehicle will be a Society of Automotive Engineers-rated level 4-capable vehicle without a steering wheel or gas and brake pedals. It is being specifically designed for commercial mobility services, such as ride sharing and ride hailing, and will be available in high volumes. SAE level 4 is one level below full automation and is defined as ‘mode-specific performance by an automated