TAMPA, FL--(Marketwired - Jul 25, 2014) -
- Audi will be the first to test a highly automated car on Tampa's Selmon Expressway, which is newly designated as a technology test bed
- Monday, July 28 press conference will highlight the Sunshine State's progressive approach to laws aimed at spurring automated driving
- Florida Gov. Rick Scott will experience the Audi system that handles driving tasks up to 40 mph in freeway traffic jams
Audi will be the first automated driving pioneer to test its technology on the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway in Tampa, which was recently designated as an automated driving and connected car test bed.
Audi will be demonstrating its highly automated Piloted driving technology in an Audi A7 equipped to handle driving functions on freeway conditions up to 40 mph.
Audi believes this initial version of Piloted driving -- called Traffic Jam Pilot -- could be available to consumers within five years. The ability to conduct research in the real-world conditions offered by Florida and the Expressway Authority is crucial to pre-production development.
In 2012, Governor Scott signed into law HB 1207, which allowed the testing of autonomous vehicles in the state, and made Florida one of only three states where automobile and technology manufacturers could invest, with certainty, in research and design projects for autonomous technology. Because Florida created an environment that allows for the testing and development of autonomous technology, companies such as Audi have decided to bring research and development efforts to the Sunshine State.
Governor Scott has cited this kind of R&D work as a catalyst for attracting leading engineers, scientists, and students to Florida as they define the future of transportation. The state also is hopeful that this research will unlock innovations that will bring safety advances to Florida drivers sooner.
To highlight the role that the State of Florida is playing in the development of automated driving and connected cars, Audi will hold a press conference with Governor Scott Monday, July 28 starting at 9:30 a.m. Immediately after the press conference, Governor Scott, Florida State Senator Jeff Brandes and select media will be offered the opportunity to experience the technology first hand in the driver's seat of the Audi A7.
The press conference and pre-arranged media driving demos will be take place at: 9:30 a.m. Monday, July 28 Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority Headquarters 1104 East Twiggs St. (at Meridien) Tampa, Fla. 33602
Media parking is available across from the Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority office, entrance on Twiggs St. and in a lot behind the office with an entrance off of Raymond Street.
Contacts: Brad Stertz, Corporate Communications Manager, Audi of America 703-344-1320
Sue Chrzan, Communications Director, Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority 813-951-5787
ABOUT AUDI Audi of America, Inc. and its U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. The Audi Group delivered 1,575,500 vehicles to customers globally in 2013, and broke all-time company sales records for the 4th straight year in the U.S. Through 2018, AUDI AG will invest about $30 billion on new products, facilities and technologies. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicles and business topics.
