- Car2X can inform drivers of traffic jams, accidents, roadworks and approaching emergency vehicles, etc. in their immediate vicinity and can help to avoid critical situations
- The more vehicles that use the technology, the more effective the system becomes
- Information is transmitted at lightning speed via direct communication between vehicles or infrastructure – without requiring a mobile network
- Car2X is available as the traffic hazard alert assist system in numerous Volkswagen models
The greater number of Car2X capable models on the roads allows increased communication between vehicles and infrastructure.
A milestone for greater road safety:
more than two million vehicles produced with Car2X
Connectivity can make driving a car safer, more convenient and more efficient. The production of more than two million Volkswagen models with Car2X for Europe is therefore an important step towards fewer road traffic accidents. The vehicles networked via Car2X use the principle of local swarm intelligence and can communicate both with each other and with the local traffic infrastructure in real time. In critical situations, the traffic hazard alert assist system can then display a warning message in the digital cockpit to vehicle occupants. The system is available in numerous Volkswagen models – partly as standard, partly as optional equipment.
With the large number of Car2X capable vehicles, direct communication between vehicles and infrastructure can take place in milliseconds, without the need for mobile network reception. The associated increase in information density permits timely warnings and reactions in situations where fast transmission is important, for example, in the event of emergency braking, a suddenly approaching end of a traffic queue or nearing emergency vehicles. Connectivity with surrounding infrastructure is also gaining in importance: for example, intelligent roadside units can send specific warning messages to vehicles about various traffic events – such as wrong-way drivers and traffic jams, people, animals and objects on the road – and about unusual weather events.
Veronica Lehr, Head of Driver Assist Systems in Volkswagen’s Development department: “With the increasing use of Car2X, road traffic can become more cooperative and anticipatory in many areas. The technology is therefore a key component for our ‘Vision Zero’ – traffic without serious accidents. In addition, Volkswagen is laying the foundation for the mobility of the future, which is set to be safer, intelligent and connected.”
Overview of all Car2X notifications and the corresponding symbols, which may vary depending on the respective vehicle or software version.
Communication with intelligent traffic infrastructure. Across Europe, increasing investments are being made in Car2X equipment for transport infrastructure. For example, Autobahn GmbH in Germany has already equipped over 1,000 roadworks trailers with Car2X-technology. In Austria, roadside units are now in place throughout the motorway network. Countries such as Italy, Spain, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovenia have likewise already installed a large number of roadside units and equipped emergency and special vehicles. In addition, breakdown services also use the technology to share information with Car2X-enabled road users within a range of up to 800 metres. Road operators and rescue services see this as a milestone in the prevention of accidents and the safety of their staff on the roads. For example, if a fire service vehicle is equipped with Car2X, other compatible road users can see from which direction the emergency service vehicle is approaching by means of a corresponding warning. The volume of the infotainment system in the car receiving the warning can also be reduced if necessary.
Assist systems can be even better. In addition, Car2X opens up new possibilities for innovative assist systems designed to make driving even more convenient and efficient in the future. Even today, Car2X already functions as a virtual sensor that supplements the on-board vehicle sensors and can support the driver assist systems in the vehicle. After receiving corresponding information, the optional Travel Assist with ACC can reduce the vehicle’s speed within the system limits even if the end of a traffic queue is not yet visible, for example. For assisted lane changes on motorways, Car2X information can be used to control acceleration in a more convenient manner. In the future, bicycles, motorcycles and other road users such as trucks and buses could also be networked. Among other things, Volkswagen is a member of the Coalition for Cyclist Safety, a consortium of leading names from the automotive, bicycle and technology industries. Founded in 2023, the initiative aims to further increase safety for cyclists by integrating them into the technological ecosystem.
Car2X technology at a glance. The Car2X direct communication in Volkswagen models is based on the Wi-Fi p standard. With the help of this technology, vehicles can exchange warnings, location data and other information in real time within a radius of up to 800 m. The notification exchange process is open and standardised, enabling communication across manufacturers. To protect privacy, the notifications are anonymised. In addition, the primary user must activate Car2X in the Infotainment system. The transmission of information is free of charge, as it does not take place over the mobile network. The traffic hazard alert assist system with Car2X-technology is currently available as an option in the Golf, T-Roc, Tiguan, Tayron, Passat, ID.3, ID.4 and ID.5 models and is equipped as standard in the ID.7.
Technical innovations for a broad target group. The prestigious Centre of Automotive Management (CAM) has awarded the Volkswagen brand the AutomotiveINNOVATIONS Award 2025 as the most innovative volume brand. According to CAM, Volkswagen impresses with its wide-ranging innovations at a high technological level, with the areas of electric mobility and connectivity being highlighted in particular.
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