Nissan for autonomous drive functions in cars

Autonomous drive functions are set to get more popular in Nissan cars. According to Carlos Ghosn, president and CEO of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., has announced the Japanese carmaker's launch timetable for the latest vehicle automation technologies. These technologies are aimed at accelerating consumer adoption of Autonomous Drive systems.

Ghosn noted that new technologies including automated lane controls and highway traffic management systems, to be introduced over the next four years, would demonstrate to consumers the viability and value of Autonomous Drive systems. Nissan intends to make this commercially viable by 2020.

Autonomous Drive technologies are designed to enhance road safety and driving conditions by automating everyday tasks for motorists. These technologies are progressively being adopted by Nissan. In Nissan models equipped with Autonomous Drive functions the driver remains in control and “at the wheel”. It is unlike pilot-projects for completely self-driving vehicles, currently undergoing preliminary tests elsewhere in the industry.

Ghosn informed that by the end of 2016, Nissan will make available the next two technologies under its autonomous drive strategy. He said the company was bringing to market a traffic-jam pilot, a technology enabling cars to drive autonomously – and safely – on congested highways. It will also make fully-automated parking systems available across a wide range of vehicles.

Ghosn made this announcement while addressing journalists at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Japan. He further stated that in 2018 his company will introduce multiple-lane controls, allowing cars to autonomously negotiate hazards and change lanes. “And before the end of the decade, we will introduce intersection-autonomy, enabling vehicles to negotiate city cross-roads without driver intervention," he said.

He predicted that four major trends would drive demand for Autonomous Drive technologies. The first, he said is the first is the rise of global mega-cities, which is increasing the need for innovations to ease congestion, reducing emissions and improve traffic management.  The second is that the demand is growing for in-car communications that meet or exceed the high expectations of the digital generation. Third, there is the need to bridge the generation gap by providing vehicles that appeal to the world's growing population of seniors. “These consumers want technologies and automated systems that enable them to drive safely, for longer,” he said.

The fourth mega trend, he said, is the pressing need to embrace gender diversity. This means recognising the vital role that women play as consumer-purchasers, decision-makers and managers throughout the car industry.