At the Mobile World Congress (MWC), automakers, suppliers, and industry associations discussed the impact of different regulations taking effect this year, especially in the European Union.

These regulations, impacting manufacturers and operators, aim to improve safety through Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) while laying the foundation for future advancements in connected car technology. They also guarantee automotive industry demand for electronic components and systems for decades to come. The global automotive semiconductor industry was estimated at $59.9 billion in 2022 and is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3 percent from 2023 to 2032, reaching $153.11 billion, according to Adroit Market Research.

In the E.U., the General Vehicle Safety Regulation, becoming mandatory this July, mandates a suite of ADAS features in all new car models, including:

  • Pedestrian and cyclist detection: Using sensors like LiDAR, Radar, and cameras, this system helps drivers stay focused on the road by identifying vulnerable road users.
  • Blind spot monitoring: Dynamically adjusts the danger zones around the vehicle based on its speed and direction, alerting drivers of potential hazards in their blind spots.
  • Front collision warning and autonomous emergency braking: Monitors road and driving conditions with sensors to warn drivers of potential collisions and automatically engages braking if an imminent threat is detected.
  • Intelligent speed assistance: Displays the current speed limit and can automatically adjust the vehicle’s speed (if adaptive cruise control is enabled) to adhere to the posted limits.
  • Lane departure warning: This system detects lane markers and alerts drivers of unintended lane changes, improving lane discipline and reducing the risk of run-off-the-road accidents.

Public transport vehicles will have an additional layer of safety with:

Driver drowsiness and distraction warning: Monitoring the driver’s face and driving behavior, detects fatigue, distraction, and potential violations like phone use, promoting safer driving practices for passengers and other road users.

Radar takes the lead

H1st Vision

While cameras offer benefits like object classification through artificial intelligence, their limitations in low-light conditions and bad weather make them unsuitable for all situations. According to Matthias Feulner, Senior Director ADAS at NXP, “Radar technology has advantages in providing more resolution and better object separation and classification.” Therefore, radar is emerging as the preferred sensor for its robustness and effectiveness in diverse weather conditions, complementing cameras in specific applications.

Cybersecurity concerns force discontinuation of some popular cars

According to a study by consulting firm McKinsey & Co. and the Global Semiconductor Alliance, cybersecurity spending by the auto industry is forecast to nearly double from $4.9 billion this year to $9.7 billion in 2030, in part because of regulatory requirements,

A new U.N. regulation, also coming into effect in July, requires manufacturers to use forensic tools to analyze attempted and successful cyberattacks and document how they prevent specific incidents. Manufacturers must strengthen systems against 70 potential cybersecurity risks, expected to increase over time. They also need to test their cars’ defensive systems and prove that those protections will hold up against new vulnerabilities.

Fifty-three countries, including the 27 E.U. members, Japan, and South Korea, must apply the law. The U.S. doesn’t, though the law does apply to American-brand vehicles sold in those countries.

This stringent requirement has led to the discontinuing of older models like the combustion engine Porsche Macan, Volkswagen e-Up, and Renault Zoe, as retrofitting them with entirely new electronics wouldn’t be economically sound. Porsche will continue selling the Macan in the United States.

Opportunities from connected cars and infrastructure

During the Mobile World Congress, in an exclusive interview with EPSNews, Maxime Flament, CTO of the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA), highlighted the positive aspects of the new regulations, particularly regarding connected car technology.

Maxime Flament, 5GAA

Flament highlighted the increasing reliance on mobile networks and the growing trust in their quality across Europe. This trust is paving the way for car manufacturers to leverage connectivity to deliver enhanced services like real-time traffic management and safety information sharing.

Despite the advancements, Flament identifies a significant challenge: the need for pan-European data availability. Traffic information crucial for safety and service development often remains fragmented nationally or at the city level.

He also emphasized the importance of avoiding technology-specific regulations, citing the example of eCall, a mandatory emergency call system. Due to its specific technology mandate, eCall has become outdated as technology has evolved. Flament advocates for “service level interoperability,” focusing on delivering a desired functionality and allowing manufacturers to choose the most appropriate technology for the task.

The success of these regulations hinges on close collaboration between various stakeholders. “Cellular coverage comes with long-term relationships between the road operators and the telco operators,” said Flament. “Additionally, ensuring service-level interoperability, as advocated by 5GAA, will allow for flexibility and adaptation to technological advancements, avoiding the pitfalls of technology-specific regulations.”

The new regulations for vehicles and infrastructure mark a significant step toward safer and more connected roads. By equipping cars with advanced safety features, focusing on cybersecurity, and laying the groundwork for connected car technology, these regulations aim to pave the way for a more secure and efficient future of mobility. However, overcoming challenges related to infrastructure standardization and fostering collaboration between various stakeholders remain crucial for the successful implementation and long-term benefits of these advancements.

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