The new international motor show, Automobile Barcelona, has introduced Connected Street as a global pioneering experience. This area will give first hand insight for the general public to test and enjoy the latest in technological developments within the motoring sector.
Connected Street, will be ‘the street’ that will connect the people visiting the show with the real impact of the digital transformation that the motoring industry is experiencing. It will focus on cars’ connectivity and autonomous systems, the latest solutions for an easier, safer and more comfortable driving; as well as focussing on sustainable, intelligent and efficient mobility.
Based on the concept of “Experience and Living”, visitors will be able to test and drive smart cars equipped with sophisticated connectivity and autonomous systems. This area will emulate a ‘Smart City’ square and will incorporate recreation areas, food corners and live music.
Two experiences and four themes
Visitors will experience how these new technologies work in a unique test trackaccompanied by experts from the Servei Català de Transit (Traffic Services ofCatalonia). Connected Street is set up around four themes: “Autonomous Driving”, “E-mobility”, “Connected Car” and “Virtual Reality”.
Experience 1: Making driving easier
At this circuit aimed to help in the driving process, visitors will have the chanceto test during 15 minutes the latest and leading technologies:
* Park assistant
* Emergency brake
* Infotainment
* Blind spot information System
* Traffic sign recognition.
Experience 2: E-mobility
The “Connected Theatre” is a space where visitors will be able to test electric cars as well as take part in the exhibitions and audiovisual shows from brands investing in autonomous driving systems.
Among the brands taking part in the Connected Street experimental zone are Honda, Hyundai, KIA, Mercedes Benz, SEAT, Smart and Toyota, with the collaboration of Servei Català de Trànsit (Traffic Services of Catalonia).
The Connected Street area is located at Plaza del Univers (Montjuic Venue of Fira de Barcelona) and it is the main attraction for the general public.
According to Enrique Lacalle, chairman of the show: “Automobile Barcelona responds to the digital transformation of the automobile sector bringing together two events: Connected Hub for press and professionals (11 and 12 May) and the Motorshow for the general public (from 13 to 21 May).
Over 100 speakers will take part in the Connected Hub whilst the traditional Motorshow will boast more than 40 innovation launches. All together the event will showcase 90 companies and 25 start-ups".
For the third time in six years (since the show is biennial), the president of the Spanish government, Mariano Rajoy will chair the inauguration of Automobile Barcelona on May 12th and the closing of the Connected Hub congress.
