NXP Semiconductors, a provider of secured connectivity solutions, and Tongji University have extended their support for the launch and implementation of a road test initiative of intelligent connected vehicles in China through the NXP-Tongji University Joint Lab.

The lab was set up with the intention to develop customised connected car solutions for the Chinese market.

This road testing initiative, as part of the Shanghai Intelligent and Connected Vehicle Demonstration Program, will act as a basis for the development of smart transportation technologies in the country.

“Developing intelligent transportation systems is vital for building sustainable cities.”

NXP and its partner Cohda Wireless will offer vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2X) communications technology for cars and roadside infrastructure.

During the tests, V2X communications data will be collected in real time from multiple test scenarios.

The roll out of road testing initiative is a milestone for the Shanghai Intelligent and Connected Vehicle Demonstration Program, which was launched in October 2015.

The first phase of the programme will involve around 200 vehicles from the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), which is one of the leading domestic auto manufacturers, as well as from other participating automakers.

The goal of the programme is to have 1,000 intelligent and connected vehicles by 2017, 5,000 vehicles by the end of 2019, and 10,000 vehicles by 2020.

The vehicles and transportation infrastructure units involved in the road tests will utilise the latest generation of NXP’s RoadLINK solution, which is based on the IEEE 802.11p wireless communication protocol to deliver higher levels of security and privacy protection.

NXP Greater China president Li Zheng said: “We are pleased to partner with SAIC and Tongji University to further advance the Shanghai Intelligent and Connected Vehicle Demonstration Program.

“Developing intelligent transportation systems is vital for building sustainable cities.

“As a global leader in secure connected vehicle solutions and autonomous driving platforms, NXP is truly honored to offer the proven reliability of RoadLINK technology and our deep automotive expertise for the creation of world-class intelligent transportation systems in China.”

SAIC Head of the Intelligent and Connected Vehicle Program Zou Qingquan said: “SAIC was one of the first companies to deploy intelligent and connected vehicles, and has been actively promoting the development and application of V2X technology in China.

“We look forward to working with our industry partners to advance the development of the Shanghai Intelligent Connected Vehicles Demonstration Programme.”