Nissan to deliver first autonomous vehicle by 2020
With help from some of the world's leading universities, including MIT, Oxford, Stanford and the University of Tokyo, Nissan is working to ready a commercially viable autonomous vehicle by 2020.
In fact, the Japanese automotive giant says it will offer several Autonomous Drive models upon launch, and will spread autonomous capabilities across its entire range within two model generations, which should be less than a decade.
It also wants to offer the technology at a 'realistic price' for consumers.
"In 2007 I pledged that – by 2010 – Nissan would mass market a zero-emission vehicle," says Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn. "Today, the Nissan LEAF is the best-selling electric vehicle in history. Now I am committing to be ready to introduce a new groundbreaking technology, Autonomous Drive, by 2020, and we are on track to realise it."
Work is already underway in Japan to build a dedicated autonomous driving proving ground, which is due to be completed by the end of 2014.
This will be used to push vehicle testing beyond the limits possible on public roads and ensure the technology is safe.
