The government is trialling a new program that sends audio safety messages to people driving rental cars.
The messages will be sent from roadside transmitters, via Bluetooth, to devices fitted to Go Rentals vehicles in the South Island, with customers who volunteer to take part.
Transport Minister Simon Bridges said while the program does not specifically target tourists, many would use it.
The messages range from warnings about sharp turns and road conditions to suggestions about good places to break the journey and travel times to the next destination.
Mr Bridges said if the trial was successful a second step could be to create a mobile phone application that allows communication with a vehicle's internal audio system.
He said he was confident the technology would eventually be introduced throughout the country.
The Transport Minister Simon Bridges and the Associate Transport Minister Craig Foss demonstrate new technology for rental cars Photo: RNZ/Jane Patterson
