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The European Commission has entered into an agreement with transport ministers and the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) to form cooperation in the field of connected and automated driving.

All parties will work in collaboration with an aim to deploy smart technologies successfully across Europe.

ACEA secretary general Erik Jonnaert said: "Connected and automated driving is an important part of our response to future mobility challenges, in terms of balancing the growing demand for transport and mobility with environmental protection and increased safety.

"But even though this revolution is shaping our industry at a rapid pace, there are many challenges on the road ahead."

These several challenges can be addressed by adapting traffic rules, establishing clear rules about liability, enhancing digital infrastructure, increasing grants for research and innovation, collecting a driver’s personal data and promoting operational testing.

"Our industry welcomes the Declaration of Amsterdam as an important milestone that promotes much-needed cooperation between automobile manufacturers, national governments and the EU institutions."

Jonnaert added: "Our industry welcomes the Declaration of Amsterdam as an important milestone that promotes much-needed cooperation between automobile manufacturers, national governments and the EU institutions."

The EU transport ministers have agreed to create a policy to deal with connected and automated vehicle (CAV) data; establish a legal framework for self-driving across Europe; cooperate to provide cyber security; work to attain an internationally compatible vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) system; as well as enhance the deployment of connected and automated vehicle technologies, reported Traffic Technology Today.

Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and the Environment Melanie Schultz van Haegen said: "We want to pick up the pace because there are many gains to be made for mobility.

"Connected and automated vehicles will make our roads safer, more sustainable and more efficient."

Image: The Secretary General of ACEA speaking. Photo: courtesy of ACEA.