The Southwest Virginia project's lead participants Virginia Tech and VDOT are seeking funds from federal, state, and local governments and private industry. Proponents of the project in Southwest Virginia argue that it would bring economic benefits to the region by providing better access to Virginia Tech and by serving as a test bed for IVHS technologies. The traditional economic base is changing to technology-driven companies. IVHS technology may be full of promise, but it is not without problems. Mounir Kamal, executive director of GM Research Lab, points out some difficulties.
Some technologies cost hundreds or thousands of dollars per vehicle.
That's just too much. Short-term benefits aside, the auto industry is also concerned about product liability, customer acceptance, financing, and the need to work with competitors to develop compatible technologies. Unlike airline pilots, drivers don't have time to watch their instruments. They have to be given only the information they need, only when they need it, Kamal says. Clearly, many issues need to be addressed in the research, development, and testing of IVHS technology.