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In-vehicle information systems using new generations of communications and information technology are already with us. Developments in the European programmes DRIVE and PROMETHEUS are aimed at bringing closer full commercial implementation of sophisticated travel and traffic information systems which will provide benefits both to individual users and to the community in terms of improved transport efficiency. The objectives of many projects include the integration of several applications of Advanced Road Transport Telematics (ATT), often focusing on the provision of better information to travellers. This paper is based upon material to be published [1] in a book later in 1993. It provides information on the history and evolution of this potential multi-million pound industry.

The paper assesses the effectiveness of the European approach to testing Advanced Road Transport Telematics (ATT, or IVHS in the US) systems within the urban field trials of the European “DRIVE” programme of research and development. It reviews progress in the major urban pilot projects, or “Euro-Projects”, and anticipates future achievements building on the results of the projects. It reviews the currently competing technologies and provides an update on their evolution. It discusses in-vehicle systems in particular and concludes that the widespread commercially availability of driver information and navigation systems could follow soon after the completion of the current projects. The main objective of the European Commission's current DRIVE programme of Advanced Road Transport Telematics (ATT) is to validate results from DRIVE 1 projects by means of field trials, or pilot projects. There is a strong emphasis on the integration of ATT applications within pilot projects.

Video surveys are being used in Doncaster to provide an up-to-date inventory of the highway network and street furniture. The techniques being used are closely related to those under development for the collection of network attribute data for Advanced Transport Telematics (ATT) / Intelligent Vehicle Highway Systems (IVHS) systems, in particular for route guidance and navigation systems. The success of systems such as Autoguide, EURO-SCOUT (formerly called ALI-SCOUT), CARIN, Travelpilot and dual-mode route guidance will be critically dependent upon the quality of the data on which navigation and routeing recommendations are based. Experience, in London and Berlin in particular, has shown that the information presented to the driver throughout his journey needs to be accurate, precisely timed and in a large number of cases specifically tailored to the details of individual junction layouts.

Sterling, a new brand name in the trucking industry, wanted to develop a competitive medium duty product. The Sterling cab is versatile and can be adapted to meet target market needs. However, the Sterling chassis is heavy and expensive for medium and light-heavy applications. Freightliner chassis components provide a more versatile platform. The Sterling cab and Freightliner chassis provided the starting point for development of a new product called ACTERRA. Sterling's need for this product required an aggressive development plan. Although timing was critical, other major project targets were desired, including low cab height, good visibility, maneuverability, low cost, product flexibility, and attractive appearance with strong ties to a Sterling family identity. The result is an attractive and competitive package delivered to the market in minimum time. This paper summarizes the product content and project approach taken to launch ACTERRA.