Guest Editorial Introduction to the Special Section on Immersive Virtual Reality Simulation for Vehicular Technology

In the last years, more and more research activities have focused on the application of Virtual Reality (VR) and related cutting-edge immersive technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR) to vehicular systems for supporting the design of novel Human-Machine Interaction techniques, simulating the functioning of newly developed components, recreating hazardous test environments, establishing trust in Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs), etc. The benefits brought by immersive environments for supporting simulations in the field of vehicular technology have already been recognized by many companies and academic institutions worldwide, as confirmed by the huge investments and a large number of publications. As we approach the time in which immersive simulations will become fundamental for a wide range of applications in the field of vehicular technology, the goal of this Special Section was to attract high-quality submissions reporting state-of-the-art research activities targeted to next-generation vehicles and related infrastructures. The Special Section received 12 submissions, which were prescreened and reviewed by experts in the field. Four papers were ultimately accepted.