Add Volvo to the list of automakers that are now embracing car-to-car communication, as the company has announced plans to offer the technology across the top-range of its model lineup before the end of the year. In doing so, Volvo joins a list of companies that have started offering the tech that allows vehicles to exchange information regarding certain road scenarios, including obstacles and conditions that could pose a threat to oncoming cars.

Volvo’s entire lineup of 90 series models will get first dibs on car-to-car communication, including the S90, XC90, and V90 Cross Country. Volvo Senior Vice President for R&R, Peter Mertens, told Automotive News Europe that these models are expected to get the tech “at the end of the year” as preparations for its introduction continue with co-developer Ericsson. Once the tech is up and running, owners of any of the 90 series models will be able to communicate with one another through warnings of potential road hazards. According to Volvo CEO Hakan Samuelsson, the company makes use of cloud technology so direct links between vehicles are not required. Each car does require an internet connection for the system to work.

Volvo’s car-to-car communication system is not unlike what Mercedes is already offering for the E-Class that’s already active in some markets, including the US, Europe, and China. Volvo did say that its own system will evolve at some point to become more versatile will be equipped to handle more road conditions. There are also plans to expand the adoption of the tech to include the rest of its lineup in the future.

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It's an understated technology that could prove to be very useful

With all the technological advancements being placed on electrification and autonomous driving, it’s easy to look past other safety systems that are being developed that are far closer to implementation than EVs and self-driving cars. Car-to-car communication counts as one of them and from a distance, I can say that there’s a lot to get excited about with this tech. Given how unpredictable road and traffic conditions have become, it’s nice to have a system that can alert drivers of any upcoming road conditions to take heed of. It could be anything, be it a stalled car, a road accident, slippery sections, or even animals crossing. Car-to-car communication allows drivers to be alerted of these incidents so they can take the proper course of action before encountering it them themselves.

Granted, there is that caveat of having an Internet connection to be able to use it, but since Volvo’s 90 series is getting the tech first, I don’t think it’ll be an issue to those who have the finances to pay for the models. It’s when the tech filters down to other Volvo models that I’d be curious to see how the automaker approaches it.

At the end of the day, car-to-car communication is becoming a big deal among automakers in the industry. It’s not just Volvo, Mercedes, and Toyota that have adopted the tech in one form or another. Other companies like Cadillac, Audi, and Jaguar Land Rover are also developing their own versions with plans to introduce them down the road.

Read our full review on the 2018 Volvo V90 Cross Country here.