The automaker is preparing to launch a vehicle-to-infrastructure communications feature that will give drivers real-time updates on traffic light activity.
Audi of America and Traffic Technology Services this fall plan to launch a form of vehicle-to-infrastructure communications technology — involving traffic light data — on select 2017 model-year Audi Q7, A4 and A4 allroad models.
An Audi connect Prime feature, the traffic light information function will enable the car to communicate with the infrastructure in select metropolitan areas across the U.S. The car will receive real-time signal information from the advanced traffic management system that monitors traffic lights. The link between vehicle and infrastructure will be routed via the on-board LTE data connection and Traffic Technology Services servers.
Ad Loading...
While waiting at a connected traffic light, the driver information system in the instrument cluster, as well as the head-up-display (if equipped), will indicate the time remaining until the signal changes to green.
“This feature represents Audi’s first step in vehicle-to-infrastructure integration,” said Pom Malhotra, Audi of America’s general manager of connected vehicles. “In the future we could envision this technology integrated into vehicle navigation, start/stop functionality and [it] can even be used to help improve traffic flow in municipalities. These improvements could lead to better overall efficiency and shorter commuting times.”
(To watch an Audi video about the upcoming traffic light information feature, click on the photo or link below the headline.)
Now in its infancy, connected vehicle technology — encompassing vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications — is expected to play a critical role in future transportation.
Ultimately, connected vehicle technology will allow vehicles, roads, traffic signals and other infrastructure — along with people’s smartphones — to share vital transportation information. These advances, in concert with deployment of autonomous vehicles, are expected to promote much greater safety and traffic flow in tomorrow's cities.
Distracted driving remains one of the most persistent risks in fleet operations. New approaches focus on removing mobile device use entirely while adding real-time safety support.
As distraction risks evolve, fleets are turning to smarter, more connected technologies to better understand what’s happening behind the wheel. Part 2 explores how these tools are helping identify risky behaviors and improve visibility across operations.
Distracted driving is often measured by what we can see—phones in hand, eyes off the road. But what about the distractions we can’t? A recent incident raises a bigger question about awareness, attention, and why subtle risks so often go unnoticed.
Fleets have more driver data than ever, so why isn't behavior changing? Training requires more than reports and coaching — it requires real-world practice.
A two-part conversation with Stefan Heck on how AI is transforming the fight against distracted driving. As fleets adopt smarter tools, the focus shifts from reacting to preventing risk. In Part 1, we look at where AI is making an impact for fleets today.
An 11% drop in pedestrian fatalities in early 2025 signals progress in U.S. road safety, but elevated death rates and ongoing risks underscore the need for continued action from fleets and policymakers.
