Nissan Takes the Wheel on Autonomous Mobility: Public Road Testing Underway

Nissan has taken a significant step towards its goal of launching autonomous mobility services by fiscal year 2027. The company recently began demonstrations of a prototype vehicle equipped with its in-house-developed autonomous driving technology.

This Nissan LEAF prototype boasts an impressive array of sensors, including 14 cameras, 10 radars, and 6 LIDAR sensors. This enhanced sensor suite significantly expands the vehicle's detection range and allows for more precise recognition of its surroundings. The result is a smoother and more capable autonomous driving experience.

The prototype successfully navigated the busy streets of Yokohama, Japan, demonstrating its ability to:

• Predict pedestrian behavior
• Change lanes safely when merging
• Judge appropriate times to enter intersections

Nissan has been exploring business models for future mobility services since 2017. While the current demonstrations involve a safety driver present (meeting SAE Level 2 standards), the company plans to progressively increase the level of autonomy.

The goal is to launch autonomous mobility services in collaboration with local authorities and transport operators within Japan by fiscal year 2027. Trials are expected to begin in the Minato Mirai area later this year, with the intention of expanding to service demonstrations in fiscal year 2025. Throughout this process, Nissan will gauge customer acceptance as they refine the technology.

This initiative is supported by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and other central ministries. These government bodies are actively promoting the development of autonomous mobility services through the Level 4 Mobility Acceleration Committee.

Nissan's vision for autonomous driving extends beyond just technological innovation. They aim to empower mobility by addressing transportation challenges faced by local communities, particularly those grappling with driver shortages due to aging populations. By offering a wider range of mobility services, Nissan hopes to provide solutions for a more freely moving society.