Future Vehicles and Materials Technologies 7

(NCAP : New Car Assessment Program)

2000 2005
Full overlap frontal Offset frontal
Japan Side impact Overall evaluation Pedestrian protection
Brake performance CRS evaluation Head rest (dynamic)

Full overlap frontal Roll-over avoidance Offset frontal

N C AP

Side impact
Whiplash evaluation (dynamic)
Enforced side impact
USA
(Offset frontal (IIHS)) Brake performance (compatibility)
Full overlap frontal Brake Full overlap frontal
Side impact performance Frontal (compatibility)
EU Pedestrian protection
CRS evaluation Whiplash evaluation (dynamic)

Advanced Pedestrian
Safety airbag protection (J, EU)
regulations (USA) Advanced headlamps
(J, US, EU)
International standardization

FIGURE 1.4
Trends in NCAP tests and safety regulations in Japan, the United States, and the European
Union.

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)

Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) are highway traffic systems in which
smart vehicles and smart roads are integrated. These systems are expected to
improve transport efficiency and safety, make driving more enjoyable, and
also contribute to environmental protection, as shown in Figure 1.5. For exam-
ple, CO2 and NOx levels would be markedly reduced if the average driving

Information from road

<Communication>
Smart gateway

Road Car
HMI ∗ HMI
Driver
Smart road Smart car

<Communication>
Smart gateway
Information from vehicle
∗HMI : Human-Machine Interface

FIGURE 1.5
Intelligent transport systems.