Beijing's traffic is already a standing nightmare so it's no surprise that city officials are seeking ways to tame the jams for the 2008 Olympic Games. Yesterday they announced a project with Nissan (which is furiously playing catch-up in the Chinese auto market). The partnership would create a city-wide navigation system. Called "Star Wings," the technology will transmit real-time traffic data to drivers via a wireless network to monitors in cars. Drivers will be able to discern the quickest routes to take--and which streets to avoid. Beijing already has a system for collecting traffic data. Nissan will connect the system to monitors, which it hopes to install in one-fifth of Beijing's 3 million cars. That's a mighty tall order. Since Nissan trails other automakers in Chinese sales, it can't limit its technology to its own cars. Company spokespeople say that it will seek partners, such as rental car companies, taxi fleets and other automakers who are willing to participate in the program. Cities such as Singapore and Stockholm already have similar systems. But the scope of the Chinese project--the Olympics is one year away--makes it unlikely that Nissan will reach its goal.
Source: Wall Street Journal
