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Driverless Passat

There’s something missing from this gadget-packed car: a driver

Roof-mounted electronics allow hi-tech Passat to ‘see’ the road ahead

09th April 2007

The Volkswagen Passat will take part in the Urban Challenge, a 60-mile contest for driverless vehicles which involves them merging with traffic, negotiating roundabouts, avoiding other motorists and abiding by road laws. Computers control the steering, throttle and brakes, and scientists are now adding lasers, GPS sat-nav and video cameras so the car can ‘see’ the road. Two years ago, VW entered a Touareg SUV in a similar contest in the desert, but the Passat will have a tougher job.

The firm hopes the technologies will one day appear on road models. “The features developed for the challenge will ultimately make driving safer in dense traffic,” said Dr Carlo Rummel of VW’s Electronic Research Laboratory.

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