Vehicle Information and Communication System (VICS)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Jaguar XKR, 2011 Jaguar XK, 2010 Jaguar XKR, and 2010 Jaguar XK. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The VICS system supplies the navigation computer with information to enable the navigation computer to re-route the navigation guidance or to inform the vehicle driver of traffic conditions in the vehicles vicinity. Information is provided to the system through three routes:

RF transmission
Infra-red transmission
FM (frequency modulation) multiplex transmissions.

The RF transmissions are generally transmitted from road side beacons mainly on expressways. The information transmitted is as follows:

Traffic congestion
Travel time to next intersection
Traffic conditions in surrounding areas and expressway turn offs
Traffic accidents
Speed limits
Lane regulations
Tire change
Parking availability at expressway service areas and parking areas.

The Infra-Red transmissions are received by the beacon antenna mounted on the top of the instrument panel.

Infra-Red transmissions are transmitted from road side beacons on major trunk roads. The information transmitted is:

Traffic congestion and travel time
Traffic accidents
Breakdowns
Road works restrictions
Parking availability.

FM (frequency modulation) transmissions are broadcast as part of the normal RDS FM (frequency modulation) transmission. Information transmitted is:

Traffic congestion and travel time for wide areas
Traffic accidents, road works, speed limits and lane restrictions for a wide area
Parking availability information.

FM transmissions are received via the FM antenna and split from the normal FM transmissions by the FM signal splitter.