News What's the status of the Moto Connectée Consortium (CMC)?

For several years, the Connected Motorcycle Consortium (CMC) has been carrying out vital work to improve motorcyclist safety through technological innovations in connectivity. How far have we come?

What is the CMC?

Founded in 2015 by industry heavyweights BMW, Honda, and Yamaha, the CMC has expanded to include other big names such as KTM, Ducati, Suzuki, and Harley-Davidson. Together, these manufacturers account for a majority of new motorcycle sales worldwide, illustrating the breadth and influence of this consortium. Of course, the consortium remains open to the participation of ever more motorcycle manufacturers, suppliers and organizations interested in two-wheeled safety.

The CMC's mission is to develop communication systems between motorcycles and cars to reduce the risk of collision. By standardizing information exchange between these vehicles, the CMC aims to integrate two-wheelers into the connected mobility landscape, where driver assistance systems (ADAS) play a crucial role. This systemic approach is based on the creation of synergies between on-board sensors and vehicle connectivity, an advance that promises to improve safety in mixed traffic.

CMC moves up a gear

The “CMC Next” project, launched in 2021, marks a new stage in this initiative. It strengthens cooperation not only between motorcycle manufacturers, but also with carmakers and other related industries. This collaboration intends to standardize tests and safety scenarios for two-wheelers, ensuring that sensor systems and V2X technologies work in a harmonized way between motorcycles and cars. So far, one of the highlights of the CMC has been the technology demonstration at the Lausitzring circuit, where Ducati, in collaboration with Lamborghini, tested a state-of-the-art communication system between motorcycle and car.

Using a prototype equipped with an on-bike warning display, common accident scenarios such as Intersection Movement Assist (IMA), Left Turn Assist (LTA), and Do Not Pass Warning (DNPW) were successfully simulated. These tests, carried out last year, demonstrated the effectiveness of the technology in preventing hazards in real time, particularly in situations where visibility is reduced and motorcycles are hidden from drivers' view. Although CMC has not revealed any new information in 2024, work appears to be actively underway on the submarine.

CMC continues to be a driving force in integrating motorcycles into a safer, more connected future of mobility. The next steps in this initiative are eagerly awaited, as the industry moves towards standardizing safety technologies for all road users.

Photo & video credits : Lamborghini x Ducati