Industryweek 5147 Automatic Drive
Industryweek 5147 Automatic Drive
Industryweek 5147 Automatic Drive
Industryweek 5147 Automatic Drive
Industryweek 5147 Automatic Drive

Nissan to Offer Self-Driving Cars by 2020

Aug. 27, 2013
"I am committing to be ready to introduce a new ground-breaking technology, Autonomous Drive, by 2020, and we are on track to realize it," chief executive Carlos Ghosn said.

WASHINGTON - Motorists could go hands-free, leaving their cars' computer brains fully in charge, as early as 2020, when Nissan (IW 1000/31) says it plans to have a self-driving vehicle ready for the market.

The Japanese automaker said Tuesday that its "revolutionary" self-drive technology could be ready by then, and that it is already building a synthetic cityscape of real roads and buildings for testing the vehicles.

"I am committing to be ready to introduce a new ground-breaking technology, Autonomous Drive, by 2020, and we are on track to realize it," chief executive Carlos Ghosn said Tuesday.

Nissan, which broke ground in 2010 with the introduction of its Leaf fully electric small car, said it is aiming to build a self-driving car that can be sold at "realistic prices."

"The goal is availability across the model range within two vehicle generations," the company said in a statement.

Nissan said it is already testing how to extend its Safety Shield technology, which uses a 360 degree system of cameras and sensors to help drivers park and avoid collisions.

Autonomous Drive would enhance safety and accident avoidance, and allow drivers who spend hundreds of hours commuting every year to make more productive use of their time.

It will also give the elderly and disabled much more freedom and mobility, the company said.

Nissan next year will complete the construction of a proving ground for self-driving cars in Japan.

"Featuring real townscapes -- masonry, not mock-ups -- it will be used to push vehicle testing beyond the limits possible on public roads to ensure the technology is safe," the company said.

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2013

Popular Sponsored Recommendations

Empowering the Modern Workforce: The Power of Connected Worker Technologies

March 1, 2024
Explore real-world strategies to boost worker safety, collaboration, training, and productivity in manufacturing. Emphasizing Industry 4.0, we'll discuss digitalization and automation...

3 Best Practices to Create a Product-Centric Competitive Advantage with PRO.FILE PLM

Jan. 25, 2024
Gain insight on best practices and strategies you need to accelerate engineering change management and reduce time to market. Register now for your opportunity to accelerate your...

Transformative Capabilities for XaaS Models in Manufacturing

Feb. 14, 2024
The manufacturing sector is undergoing a pivotal shift toward "servitization," or enhancing product offerings with services and embracing a subscription model. This transition...

Shifting Your Business from Products to Service-Based Business Models: Generating Predictable Revenues

Oct. 27, 2023
Executive summary on a recent IndustryWeek-hosted webinar sponsored by SAP

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of IndustryWeek, create an account today!