FACE THE CHANGE Act Sustainably TICMIRROR The smart rearview mirror Cars are becoming increasingly connected, accessing loads of information for the journey from the Internet in real time. Digital interfaces must be designed to be as intuitive as possible so that they do not distract the driver’s attention from the road. One solution for vehicles that are not already equipped with a networked infotainment system is Ticmirror, which Volkswagen Group China is currently developing further under a joint venture with the Chinese technology company Mobvoi. The smart rearview mirror has an online navigation function, it can stream music, search for destinations in the vicinity using intuitive voice controls, and be upgraded to a comprehensive virtual assistance system. That is why Volkswagen Group Research has embraced the goals of the “Vision Zero” international initiative. Zero stands for no fatalities, the ultimate goal. In this particular case, the zero means that, in the long term, vehicles from Volkswagen Group brands will no longer be involved in any accidents resulting in death or serious injury. For Vision Zero, then, the further development of self-driving functions is particularly promising – because if cars are capable of driving and braking autonomously, and can communicate with one another, then the mistakes that people make when driving will become less and less relevant. It will still take some time to arrive at that stage, but the technology is making rapid progress. How are products and services from Group brands driving Vision Zero forward? The four highlights outlined in this chapter represent different approaches: improved user interfaces, real-time customer service, advanced assistance systems, and autonomous functions. Vision Zero is getting closer – step by step. 55
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