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."
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