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Nissan has commenced demonstrations of a prototype vehicle equipped with its in-house-developed autonomous drive technologies, showcasing significant progress towards its goal of rolling out autonomous mobility services by fiscal year 2027.
Key Highlights:
- Prototype Vehicle: Nissan LEAF equipped with 14 cameras, 10 radars, and 6 LIDAR sensors.
- Enhanced Detection: Improved sensors provide a broader and more accurate detection area.
- Smooth Operation: Enhanced recognition performance, behavioral prediction, judgment, and control functions.
- Complex Urban Navigation: Capable of predicting pedestrian behavior, lane changes, and intersection entry.
- Future Mobility Services: Aiming for autonomous-drive mobility services in Japan by fiscal year 2027.
- Partnerships: Collaborating with local authorities and transport operators.
- Trials and Demonstrations: Scheduled trials in Minato Mirai area by Q4 of this fiscal year, progressing to service demonstrations by fiscal year 2025.
- Government Cooperation: Working closely with the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism; and other central ministries.
Prototype Features and Performance
The Nissan LEAF prototype vehicle, integral to Nissan’s autonomous driving advancements, is equipped with 14 cameras, 10 radars, and 6 LIDAR sensors. This sophisticated sensor array enhances the vehicle’s ability to detect and respond to its surroundings, especially in complex urban environments. The latest test vehicle features roof-mounted sensors, significantly expanding the detection area and enabling more accurate surroundings recognition.
Urban Navigation Capabilities
In the busy streets of Yokohama, near Nissan’s global headquarters, the LEAF prototype smoothly demonstrates its ability to predict pedestrian behavior, conduct lane changes when merging, and judge when to safely enter intersections. These capabilities are crucial for navigating complex urban scenarios and ensuring passenger safety.
Strategic Vision and Collaborations
Since fiscal year 2017, Nissan has been exploring business models for future mobility services. Although the current demonstrations are conducted at SAE Level 2 with a safety driver present, Nissan aims to expand functionality and launch autonomous-drive mobility services in Japan by fiscal year 2027. This ambitious plan involves partnerships with third parties, including local authorities and transport operators, to ensure comprehensive service deployment.
Upcoming Trials and Service Demonstrations
Nissan plans to begin trials in the Minato Mirai area in the fourth quarter of this fiscal year, gradually increasing the level of autonomous driving functionality while assessing customer acceptance. These trials will progress to service demonstration tests within fiscal year 2025, with the ultimate goal of providing driverless services.
Government Support and Community Impact
This initiative is being conducted in close cooperation with the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and other central ministries. The ministries are actively promoting initiatives to realize new autonomous mobility services through the Level 4 Mobility Acceleration Committee.
Nissan’s long-term vision aims to empower mobility and address transportation service issues faced by local communities, particularly in Japan. With challenges such as driver shortages due to an aging population, Nissan’s autonomous mobility services seek to provide a broad range of new services that enable free movement and enhance community connectivity.
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