Tokyo, October 24, 2000 - Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) and Honda R&D Co., Ltd., announced today a joint research project to develop a next-generation vehicle-network telecommunication system. The research, which will begin in November, is aimed at creating a system that provides more convenient traffic and other information which matches driver and passenger needs while minimizing driver distraction. The project will be based on Honda R&D's in-vehicle information technologies and NTT's communication network technologies.

The initial objective is to develop technology that customizes information for drivers and passengers according to the time of day, location and driving situation. The system would use this technology to provide information appropriate to the situation. The research goals also include improving the user-friendliness of such communication tools as voice-recognition systems.

The proposed system will be designed as fundamental technology to be integrated into future Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)*.

The companies plan to develop a prototype system for testing by the end of 2001.