The European Commission has set out plans to start negotiations with automotive industry associations in Europe and Asia to reach an agreement on offering the pan-European in-vehicle emergency call system (eCall) as standard on all new cars from 2010.
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In a statement the commission said it would also further promote the take-up of other life-saving technologies and investigate how technology can help make cars greener and smarter.
“Technology can save lives, improve road transport and protect the environment. The EU must spread this good news among consumers and continue to put pressure on stakeholders to ensure Europeans benefit from these winning technologies sooner rather than later,” said Viviane Reding, the EU’s commissioner for the information, society and media.
“If we are serious about saving lives on European roads, then all 27 member states should set a deadline to make eCall and electronic stability control (ESC) standard equipment in all new cars. At the same time we need to clear administrative obstacles to innovations that will make cars safer and cleaner. For example, making sure radio frequencies are available for cooperative driving systems that will cut accidents, reduce congestion and lower CO2 emissions. If fast progress cannot be made voluntarily, I stand ready to intervene.”
The measures are supported by Jacques Barrot, commissioner for transport, and vice-president Günter Verheugen, commissioner for enterprise and industry.
ESC is also being promoted by governments in the US, Canada and Australia which are encouraging automakers to make it either standard or widely available as a factory option.
