Self-driving vehicles
With the Declaration of Amsterdam, Europe has taken an important step to make connected and automated driving a step closer.
(The logo of the Netherlands EU Presidency 2016. Voice-over:)
LIVELY MUSIC
VOICE-OVER: Since its invention over 130 years ago,
the automobile has undergone a profound transformation.
And recently, this evolution has become a revolution,
with systems that take over more and more tasks from the driver.
And cars are also becoming more connected with their environments.
Bringing the developments of connected driving and automated driving together
is crucial, in order to improve safety, improve traffic flows and reduce emissions.
MINISTER SCHULTZ: I want to show you that there are opportunities for us,
and that we all have to play a role.
VOICE-OVER: But these developments also bring new challenges
for industry and governments.
SCHULTZ: And a joint declaration is the first step
in which the EU member states, the European Commission
and the car manufacturers agree on joint goals.
VOICE-OVER: Joint goals, joint actions and learning by experience.
The Netherlands took the initiative to organise
the European Truck Platooning Challenge,
driving trucks of different brands in columns on public roads
from several European cities to the Netherlands.
(A map of Europe.)
Together with other governments, the truck industry, logistic services
and research institutes, we worked on a common goal
and were faced with a lot of challenges,
like the different legal distances between vehicles and divergent national procedures.
Together, these challenges were overcome,
showing more structural solutions are needed.
(A man points to something on a map.)
And to underline the future is near,
we showed the ministers what is already possible.
MINISTER SCHULTZ: We will all experience what it is like
to be driven around in automated cars on the public road through Amsterdam.
I expect it to be an exciting and memorable event,
and I want to thank you all very much for your support.
VOICE-OVER: With the Declaration of Amsterdam,
Europe has taken an important step to make connected and automated driving
a step closer.
(The logo of the Netherlands EU Presidency 2016. The Dutch coat of arms next to Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment. On-screen text: Scenarios & summits.)