Nissan offers automated options with intelligent driving solutions

Nissan brought its automated functions to the Chinese market with two electric vehicles it debuted on Monday at Auto China 2016. The Nissan IDS Concept showcases fully operational autonomous drive, smart mobility, topnotch engineering and refined design technology, including carbon-fiber construction and a compact, aerodynamic shape.

The exceptional IDS Concept is expected to realize the company's vision of "Zero emissions, Zero fatalities", and enhance the relationship between car and driver, according to Daniele Schillaci, executive vice-president for global marketing and sales at Nissan Motor Co Ltd.

Nissan is among the leaders developing practical autonomous driving technology through integrating advanced vehicle control and safety technologies with cutting-edge artificial intelligence, after leading the development and expansion of EV technology. Nissan stands at the forefront of automotive technology.

"Our priority focus is to make sure the key technologies, including autonomous driving, connectivity, zero or low emissions, are brought into the Chinese market in the most efficient approaches," said Carlos Ghosn, chairman and CEO of Renault-Nissan Alliance.

The alliance is set to deploy autonomous driving functions from now on in more than 10 models worldwide, including the Chinese market. By 2020, the launch of "intersection autonomy" is expected to be able to navigate city intersections and heavy urban traffic without driver intervention.

The unrivaled Nissan Intelligent Mobility autonomous driving functions have already been applied into the mid-size class-leading Nissan Maxima, including Forward Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning and Around View Monitor.

In addition to those functions, the new-generation Nissan Tiida, endorsed by Chinese professional basketball star Yi Jianlian, also equips smart infotainment with internet connectivity.

The Sino-Japanese joint venture Dongfeng Nissan is delivering a lineup of products covering almost every segment to address the highly diversified needs and preferences of Chinese customers.

The fully electric powered Nissan IDS Concept has been driven as far as 550 km in the New European Driving Cycle test, thanks to its 60 kWh battery unit, and also employs wireless charging technology for easier and faster recharging.

"More than extending the electric car driving ranges, we need to also cut the price," Ghosn said. "We know how to improve, we just need a little time, and we will achieve it."

The carmaker is working with its Chinese partner Dongfeng Motor on a low-spec EV for a more affordable model.

"Nissan's China EV strategy is to adjust the lineups to fit market demands, and we will launch the popular models," said Ghosn.

Nissan's research on the Chinese electric car market found that high-spec high-price models did not sell well, and the popular products were low-spec low-price versions.

Dongfeng Nissan's current EV model Venucia e30 runs for about 175 km on one charge. The Venucia e30 is eligible for a 45,000 yuan ($6,930) national subsidy, and another 30,000 to 100,000 yuan is also given by local governments.

Jun Seki, president of Dongfeng Motor Co Ltd and senior vice-president of Nissan Motor Co Ltd, said, "Beyond our expectations, the majority of our customers have made charging possible by themselves. I expect the charging facility development will reach the equivalent level in Japan."

"We are accelerating our research and development cycle for sure, but we are very careful about quality, safety and data security," Ghosn said.

"There will be no compromise in the company's product quality, connectivity security, or reliability," he said.

(China Daily 04/28/2016 page19)