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| MDOT and MEDC sign VII research agreement with Sweden
Contact:
Bill Shreck, Director of Communications, 517-335-3084
Agency:
Transportation
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January 30, 2007 - -The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) have signed a cooperative research agreement with the Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation Systems (VINNOVA) and the Swedish National Road Administration (Vägverket).
Signed on Jan. 23, 2007, the agreement creates opportunities for universities, research organizations, researchers, and industries in Sweden and Michigan to work together on Vehicle Infrastructure Integration (VII) initiatives.
"This partnership presents opportunities for Michigan and Michigan companies to develop vehicle communication technologies in the United States and Europe," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle.
MDOT is leading a program in Michigan to develop global standards for safety communications between vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle to road, with the goal of increasing traffic safety as well as well as decreasing congestion.
Sweden's recognized leadership in traffic safety and safe vehicles is well-known. The agreement creates opportunities for Swedish participation in the development and implementation of global standards and technologies.
The agreement was signed at the Swedish embassy in Washington, D.C, at an event hosted by Ambassador Gunnar Lund. Signers were: Director Kirk Steudle, representing MDOT; Ingemar Skogö, Director General of the Swedish National Road Administration (Vägverket); Ove Pettersson, representing VINNOVA; Per Eriksson, director general of VINNOVA, and James Epolito, president and CEO, MEDC.
MDOT's VII initiative is aimed at developing integrated, advanced technologies embedded in roadways and "smart" cars, video and radar sensors and global positioning system (GPS) modules that can be used to prevent or lessen the impact of some crashes, relieve traffic congestion, monitor traffic conditions, and computerize traffic control and traveler information systems. More information about MDOT's VII initiative is available online at: www.michigan.gov/mdot/0,1607,7-151-9621_11041_38217---,00.html.
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