Nissan starts testing semi-autonomous Leaf on public roads
Nissan has quite often reiterated its goal of launching a self-driving car by 2020, one guided by just electronics and no manual interference, and it seems like the Japanese manufacturer is already well on its way to achieving it. Nissan recently got permission from the Japanese government to test its semi-autonomous driving Leaf with on public roads.
This particular Leaf will test various components which will in future be used for a self-driving car. The functions that the Leaf will check are automatic overtaking of slower or stationary vehicles, lane changes, taking exits and stopping at red lights. The primary motivation behind Nissan's autonomous drive is to achieve zero fatalities in accidents involving its vehicles along with zero emissions. The autonomous drive also incorporates Nissan's Safety Shield, a system which monitors the surroundings and gives a warning to the driver and intervenes if it doesn't find any reaction from the driver.
Nissan executive vice president for R&D Mitsuhiko Yamashita with the semi-autonomous Nissan
The company's upcoming proving ground in Oppama, Japan will be dedicated for autonomous vehicles. Meanwhile in London, Nissan has also started trials of its electric e-NV200 van, ahead of the vehicle's 2014 launch.
This particular Leaf will test various components which will in future be used for a self-driving car
Nissan's executive vice-president for Research and Development Mitsuhiko Yamashita said: "The realisation of the Autonomous Drive System is one of our greatest goals, because zero fatalities stands alongside zero emissions as major objective of Nissan's R&D. Through public road testing, we will further develop the safety, efficiency and reliability of our technology."
-NA-
-NA-
Automatic
149.5
320
-NA-
Related Stories
Top Stories
Latest Videos
Most Popular
- Budget Sportbike Showdown: Kawasaki Ninja 500 vs Aprilia RS 457 vs Yamaha YZF-R3
- 2014 Triumph Daytona 675 vs 2024 Kawasaki ZX6R - A Decade of Evolution in Supersport Motorcycles
- Mumbai-Pune Expressway speed restrictions updated
- 2024 Hyundai Creta vs Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder vs Skoda Kushaq comparison review - the hype is real?
- Nissan Magnite EZ-Shift review - is the AMT any good?