Another Major Automaker Is Developing Self-Driving Technology

Nissan has been testing different kinds of autonomous systems for nearly a decade now. Its earlier “ProPilot” technology was mainly for highway driving, where road markings are clearer and traffic is more predictable. The latest generation is designed for dense city streets, where pedestrians, traffic lights and narrow turns make it harder to drive.

In a recent public demonstration in Tokyo, as reported by Japan Today, a Nissan Ariya sedan equipped with 11 cameras, 5 radars and a LiDAR sensor drove through intersections, stopped at red lights and braked for pedestrians. Nissan said this new urban driving technology should be ready for customers in 2027.

Earlier this year in Yokohama, they showcased an experimental Serena minivan fitted with cameras, radars and 6 LiDAR sensors that drove itself through a public road in an urban area without a driver inside.

It was the first such test in Japan and this showed many that Nissan wants to be seen as a leader in autonomous driving. The company said the system was developed in-house and based on research carried out in Japan, Silicon Valley and the UK.

The Serena test vehicle is being developed for what Nissan calls mobility services. The idea is operating driverless vehicles in Japanese cities. The company is working on an operational framework to run about 20 test vehicles between 2025 and 2026 in partnership with local authorities and transport operators. The cars will be remotely monitored and fitted with safety systems such as emergency stop functions and redundant controls.

 

 

Why Is Nissan Taking This Direction?

 

Nissan’s finances have been under strain for some years now. The company posted losses in the April to June quarter and has gone through a restructuring that included job cuts. A new chief executive, Ivan Espinosa, has been appointed to steer the turnaround. The hope is that autonomous driving will give the brand new life and open up revenue streams in mobility services.

There is also a much larger context to this. Japan faces an ageing population and a shortage of drivers in many communities. Nissan has framed its autonomous project as a way to help people who struggle with limited transport options. Government ministries, including the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, are backing trials through a committee that promotes Level 4 mobility services.

 

How Far Can Nissan Go Against Rivals?

 

Nissan is trying to catch up in a space filled with powerful competitors. Toyota has partnered with Waymo, while Honda is developing its own systems. Mercedes-Benz has invested heavily in advanced driver assistance. Outside the auto world, companies like Uber are betting on robotaxis.

The difference for Nissan is that it is linking the technology directly to local needs. In its Yokohama demonstrations, the company made emphasis on the fact that the Serena test cars were designed to work in real community settings, from residential streets to busy commercial areas. Engineers have simulated countless scenarios along the test routes to make sure the cars can respond to unexpected events.

Whether this approach will be enough to give Nissan an edge we’re still unsure about, but the company has set the dates. Demonstration fleets are scheduled for this year and next, with commercial services planned for 2027.