Volvo Initiates Trans-Nation Drive Across Europe as part of Platooning Demonstration
Published On Mar 23, 2016
Just recently, EU president state Netherlands, in association with ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers Association) had organised a first ever cross-border truck driving event. The aim of the event was to raise awareness about truck platooning, or convoy driving, and to push reforms for convoy corridors in Europe.
Six leading European brands decided to take part in the event. Volvo initiated its participation in the event just recently, with three of its trailer trucks beginning the long journey from Gothenburg, Sweden. The trucks are planned to conclude the event on arrival at Rotterdam, Netherlands. The event was primarily a demonstration drive, aimed to set an example for other truck operators and to promote fuel efficient modes of driving. Platooning is a mode of driving that helps to tighten safety for the vehicle, as well as to regulate the fuel economy.
The trucks have been incorporated with advanced systems, including a semi-automated programming. They connect to each other wirelessly. In a platoon formation, the vehicles are positioned extremely close to each other. This tightly knit structure helps to reduce drag, and consequently, strengthen fuel economy and stability.
At present, the rules regarding driving differ on various states within the EU, and this makes implementing these fuel saving techniques harder. Volvo believes that this major event, which has attracted great attention, will push the continent towards reforms that would enable platooning on a larger scale.
“We believe that platooning offers major advantages, mainly for our customers, but also for society in the form of fuel savings, reduced emissions and enhanced transportation efficiency. Together with the rest of society, the transportation industry needs to tackle such challenges as the harmonization of legislation,” Anders Kellström, project manager for Volvo’s participation in the event, said. He went on to add, “Essentially, this means that the reaction time for breaking is reduced to zero, which in turn improves safety and minimizes the ‘accordion effect’ in connection with traffic congestion.”
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