The Nissan IMx concept vehicle: embodying the future of Nissan Intelligent Mobility

The Nissan IMx concept vehicle: embodying the future of Nissan Intelligent Mobility

The Nissan IMx concept vehicle: embodying the future of Nissan Intelligent Mobility

Recent technological advancements are spurring the greatest evolutionary leap for automobiles since the car was invented. Electrification and artificial intelligence are having a big impact on how cars are designed, engineered and thought of and may change the very idea of “driving.”

In March 2016, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. unveiled Nissan Intelligent Mobility, an innovative vision that declared the company’s commitment to “pursue a safer and sustainable society, while making the driving experience more exciting.” The IMx concept vehicle, introduced at the 45th Tokyo Motor Show, provides a glimpse into the future of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, promoting a stronger connection between car and driver. The theme for the IMx is “Together We Ride.”

Nissan Intelligent Mobility
Nissan Intelligent Mobility comprises the following three elements:

  • Nissan Intelligent Driving
    Nissan strives to develop technology that will enable a safer, more enjoyable driving experience for all. Nissan Intelligent Driving continues to push the envelope in AI development, combining sensing technology that monitors and collects information surrounding the vehicle, AI technology capable of accurately analyzing collected information, and technology that can control cars with precision. We’re committed to the realization of cars that handle precisely and according to the driver’s intentions, making the driving experience safer and more enjoyable.
  • Nissan Intelligent Power
    Smooth yet powerful acceleration, plus a linear response, delivering both comfort and an exhilarating experience: This can’t be accomplished by simply switching the drivetrain to an electric motor. It can only be achieved with Nissan’s accumulative knowledge in electric motor management, custom tailored to seamlessly engage with human sensitivity. Likewise, sustainable social mobility can only be accomplished with smart implementation of clean energy technology. Nissan will lead the dissemination of electric drive technology in the industry, based on Nissan Intelligent Power.
  • Nissan Intelligent Integration
    As the connection between people and cars – as well as society and cars – becomes stronger, the role of cars will also expand, including the potential to become part of the social infrastructure. Nissan Intelligent Integration will establish new roles for automobiles as an integral part of society that contributes to the improvement of people’s lives, beyond just being a mode of transportation.

Nissan remains committed to aggressively tackling issues that confront the automotive industry, such as climate change, air pollution, traffic congestion and traffic-related accidents. The company has accelerated the development of Nissan Intelligent Mobility to address these issues head on, as it continues to promote the joys of driving and traveling in a safe, comfortable environment. The IMx is not a concept vehicle mired in pure fantasy; rather, it provides a realistic peek into the future of Nissan Intelligent Mobility.

Making travel more enjoyable through the advancement of autonomous driving technology: Nissan Intelligent Driving

The IMx takes the ProPILOT technology offered on the new Nissan LEAF a step further, by offering fully autonomous driving with no human intervention.

With the newest autonomous and AI technologies, the driver can opt for fully autonomous driving by selecting ProPILOT Drive (PD mode). The system stows the steering wheel inside the dashboard and automatically reclines the front and rear seats, allowing the vehicle’s occupants to relax and enjoy their commute. The panoramic, curved display above the dashboard and the wood grain-patterned LCD display become a private entertainment center, allowing occupants to enjoy the scenery outside, watch a music video or even video chat with someone remotely, making full use of their time while traveling to their destination. When Manual Drive (MD mode) is selected, the steering wheel and seats return to their original positions, allowing the driver to take back control. The IMx offers the joy of driving and the pleasure of travel to both driver and passengers.

The Human Machine Interface of the IMx is very simple. The switch from PD mode to MD mode, and vice versa, can only be done by using the PD Commander, located on the center console and steering switch. The displays and infotainment system can be controlled by gestures and eye movements. Intuitive controls and a voice command system allow drivers to focus on driving, allowing them to access various information in a smart, easy and safe manner.

Promoting the convenience and pleasure of electric vehicle driving: Nissan Intelligent Power

Beginning in 2020, Nissan will introduce new, dedicated electric vehicle platforms as it expands its EV model lineup. These platforms will boast truly efficient packaging, with all the mechanical components taking up minimal space, which in turn allows for an extraordinarily large cabin designed to provide maximum comfort for the vehicle’s occupants. Despite the presence of a large-capacity battery, the IMx platform has a flat floor, resulting in a cavernous interior. Also, thanks to Nissan’s vast experience with the Nissan LEAF and other electric models, the IMx boasts the handling prowess of a high-performance car. The new platform’s highly rigid nature translates to an excellent on-road feel, while the low center of gravity enhances the vehicle’s dynamic qualities, giving it a sharper turning response and enhancing overall agility.

Powering the IMx is a pair of high-output electric motors placed at the front and rear of the vehicle, giving the vehicle all-wheel-drive capability. The motors combine to produce 320 kW of power and an astounding 700 Nm of torque, making the vehicle a powerful, yet quiet crossover. A new high-capacity battery, redesigned with increased energy density, results in a driving range of more than 600 kilometers on a single charge. This allows occupants to enjoy sporty driving without worrying about recharging the battery.

With the excellent, straight-line performance and unrivaled agility, the IMx delivers an elevated level of driving excitement for all who sit behind the wheel.

Becoming part of the social infrastructure: Nissan Intelligent Integration

Along with electrification and vehicle intelligence, to achieve sustainable mobility, it’s essential for cars to become part of the social infrastructure. The IMx was engineered to establish unrivaled convenience and social integration by combining autonomous technology with connected-car technology and leveraging the vehicle’s high-capacity batteries to create a new role for cars.

For example, the IMx has the ability to autonomously drive to the airport and park on its own, then pick up the owner when he or she returns from their trip. During that time, the IMx can perform tasks autonomously that were unimaginable until recently. The IMx’s battery can be charged wirelessly, without the need of a cable. The IMx can

automatically share its power using vehicle-to-home or vehicle-to- building systems when it’s parked inside or near a building. It can also link to the local power grid. The high-capacity battery can then help stabilize electrical power frequency and act as a virtual power plant, contributing to the efficient use of renewable energy and energy management.

This future role of connected-car technology is demonstrated by Nissan’s Seamless Autonomous Mobility, introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show in 2017. SAM was designed to handle unpredictable situations during fully autonomous driving. The commands sent from the control center travel through a cloud-based database, allowing it to be shared with other autonomously driven vehicles in the vicinity. Although some critical circumstantial decisions need to be performed manually, the advanced AI system accumulates data for future use with the intent of providing smooth, incident-free autonomous driving.

The IMx, a concept vehicle that embodies the future of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, provides a glimpse of what cars will be like in the future. With Nissan Intelligent Mobility, we’re committed to changing the way people and cars communicate, as well as how cars interact with society – helping build a more convenient and enjoyable driving experience for future generations.

courtesy: newsroom.nissan-global.com

Nissan to unveil new ambulance and electric delivery vehicle

Nissan to unveil new ambulance and electric delivery vehicle

Nissan to unveil new ambulance and electric delivery vehicle

Nissan will unveil two new fully customized vehicles at the Tokyo Motor Show to improve city mobility: the new Paramedic Concept and the all-electric e-NV200 Fridge Concept.

Packed with new technologies and features, the new Paramedic Concept will be Nissan’s fifth-generation ambulance and builds on the success of the previous versions, which are sold exclusively in Japan. The next-generation ambulance is based on Nissan’s NV350 Caravan, providing better comfort for the patient and a better work environment for paramedics and drivers.

The company will also lift the lid on its solution to urban delivery challenges and launch a modified, all-electric Nissan e-NV200 Fridge Concept.

The Fridge Concept’s compact size will make it easier to park in urban environments, where large delivery trucks are often prevented from stopping. Equipped with an additional battery pack in the cargo space to power a refrigeration unit, the Nissan e-Fridge will be able to store chilled foods.

“Our fifth-generation ambulance will offer enhanced features that will make a real difference to people’s lives,” said Ashwani Gupta, senior vice president of the Renault-Nissan LCV Business Unit. “The new Paramedic Concept contains vital life-saving equipment to respond to emergencies, often in remote areas.

“Meanwhile, the e-NV200 Fridge Concept will create huge value for commercial users – generating more business, as well as reducing the cost of ownership. With zero emissions, it’ll be perfect for busy urban environments where larger vehicles are often prohibited.”

Other unique elements packed into the new ambulance include Nissan’s industry-leading Intelligent Around View Monitor and technology to reduce the spread of germs.

The ambulance also carries a lithium-ion auxiliary battery that supports life-saving medical equipment when patients are in remote areas or in need of emergency assistance. It also contributes to CO2 reduction, as well as external and internal noise reduction.

Nissan plans to start sales of the ambulance in Japan in fiscal year 2018 and aims to double annual sales of the ambulance compared with the previous model.

Also featured at the Tokyo Motor Show will be the NV350 Caravan, which was launched in Japan in the summer.

Intelligent Emergency Braking, Vehicle Dynamic Control with traction control system functions and Hill Start Assist, previously available only on some two-wheel-drive van grades, are now standard on all NV350 Caravan van models. In addition, Intelligent Around View Monitor has been installed for the first time in vehicles of this class in Japan.

courtesy: newsroom.nissan-global.com

Nissan South Africa sponsors karting day to raise funds for cheetah preservation

Nissan South Africa sponsors karting day to raise funds for cheetah preservation

Nissan South Africa sponsors karting day to raise funds for cheetah preservation

Zwartkops Kart Circuit will once again host the 9th annual Charity Cheetah Karting Day in aid of the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Center on Saturday, October 14. Nissan South Africa is partnering with the organization for the second year as the official partner in an effort to raise even more funds for the center. Last year’s event raised over R50,000.00.

The annual event pits local automotive organizations against each other in a fierce race on the karting track. Three Nissan SA teams will be joined by Jaguar Land Rover, Suzuki SA, Liqui-Moly SA, Motul Oil SA, Conti-Tech SA, Locost Racing, Snake Pit Racing, BESA Learning Academy and EV Dynamics. It’s not just fun for the drivers though. The whole family can enjoy PlayStation consoles while the teams race on track.

There will be a special appearance by Center ambassador cheetah, Yeats, who will personally thank each entrant for their generous contributions and participation during the awards ceremony. Also supporting the event will be RunRideDive, the event’s official photographers, as well as the team from Magnesium to help with all the design work for the day. Furthermore, the Voice of Motorsport, Roger McCleery, has once again donated his time to be the MC for the event, adding to what makes this event particularly special.

“We are very proud to once again be able to support the Ann Van Dyk Cheetah Center, as the center’s commitment to animal conservation in South Africa is a cause very close to our hearts at Nissan,” said Xavier Gobille, Nissan SA managing director of Marketing, Sales & Aftersales. “It’s not just a sponsorship opportunity for us, but an opportunity to contribute to the sustainable welfare of an inspirational animal in terms of speed and swiftness, which directly relates to our vision of being a competitive leader within the automotive industry.”

The funds are used to help the Center with various projects, where the educational program CHEETA, which visits schools, particularly in rural and under-privileged areas, in a bid to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife, the environment and recycling, is a particular focus area for the center.

courtesy: newsroom.nissan-global.com

Nissan to show LEAF NISMO Concept, Serena NISMO at Tokyo Motor Show

Nissan to show LEAF NISMO Concept, Serena NISMO at Tokyo Motor Show

Nissan to show LEAF NISMO Concept, Serena NISMO at Tokyo Motor Show

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. will show a number of exciting concept cars and production vehicles at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show, giving customers a glimpse of the company’s newest and future innovations.

A new concept model that embodies the future of Nissan Intelligent Mobility will be among the highlights of the vehicles on display. The Nissan LEAF NISMO Concept car, the performance-oriented Serena NISMO and an updated Skyline will also debut at the show. In all, Nissan plans to display 13 vehicles.

The 45th Tokyo Motor Show, held at Tokyo Big Sight, is open to the public from Oct. 27 to Nov. 5. Press days are Oct. 25-26. The Nissan booth, in East Hall 5, will feature a “spiral” design theme symbolizing the company’s past, present and future commitment to making exciting products. It will showcase the values Nissan strives to offer, including the company’s latest electric vehicles. A simulator will let visitors experience the future of Nissan Intelligent Mobility.

The following is an overview of some of the main display models:

LEAF NISMO Concept: Nissan’s flagship electric car meets NISMO’s driving excitement

Launched in September, the new Nissan LEAF comes with the latest iteration of Nissan’s ProPILOT single-lane autonomous driving technology. It also includes ProPILOT Park, the first technology in a Japanese-made vehicle to help drivers park by automatically controlling the accelerator, brakes, steering, shift changing and parking brake. Another feature of the new LEAF is e-Pedal, which lets the driver start, accelerate, decelerate, stop and hold the car by using only the accelerator pedal.

The NISMO Concept version of the new LEAF has a sporty new exterior designed by NISMO, Nissan’s motorsports and in-house tuning division. The application of NISMO racing technology to the car’s body results in enhanced aerodynamic performance and less lift, without sacrificing the LEAF’s excellent drag coefficient. The black interior features NISMO’s signature red accents, creating an exciting, high-performance feel.

On the road, the LEAF NISMO Concept offers a truly exciting drive. This is thanks to a sport-tuned suspension and high-performance tires, not to mention a custom-tuned computer that delivers instant acceleration at all speeds. The LEAF NISMO Concept combines the environmentally friendly character of an electric car with the exciting driving experience that’s always been a hallmark of the NISMO brand.

Serena NISMO: a minivan with spiced-up looks
The Serena NISMO offers NISMO’s sporting technology – head-turning styling and exhilarating performance – without sacrificing the base model’s family-friendly, utilitarian nature. The exterior design appropriately reflects NISMO’s performance-oriented nature, with custom aero parts that enhance the aggressiveness of its appearance. Inside, occupants will enjoy NISMO’s signature red accents.

The Serena NISMO features sharper handling, thanks to a custom sport-tuned suspension system. A new engine control module and exhaust system add extra excitement and flair to the overall driving experience. The Serena NISMO is scheduled to go on sale in Japan in November 2017.

The Skyline: a premium sports sedan with advanced technology
Nissan’s premium sports sedan has always featured cutting-edge technology that stirs the driver’s emotions. All Skyline models now come with Nissan’s All-Around Safety Shield technology. This can be combined with the high-performance, environmentally friendly hybrid system and Direct Adaptive Steering, which provides intuitive handling for easier and safer driving.

Changes to the Skyline include a revamped exterior and new aluminum wheel designs that spice up what was already one of the most attractive vehicles in its class. Inside the cabin, the steering wheel and shift knob are new, as is the instrument panel’s surface finish, giving the interior an even higher premium quality. The new Skyline is scheduled to go on sale in Japan in December 2017.

courtesy: newsroom.nissan-global.com

Nissan unveils electric ecosystem at Nissan Futures 3.0 event in Europe

Nissan unveils electric ecosystem at Nissan Futures 3.0 event in Europe

Nissan unveils electric ecosystem at Nissan Futures 3.0 event in Europe

Nissan unveiled plans around the four key pillars of its future electric ecosystem in Europe, announcing the launch of new electric vehicles, additional infrastructure investment, battery charging and home storage advances, and a revolutionary new vision to give Nissan customers free power for their EV using its unique bi-directional charging technology. The announcements were made at the third Nissan Futures event – “The Car and Beyond” – in Oslo, Norway.

“Nissan kick-started the electric vehicle revolution almost a decade ago,” said Paul Willcox, chairman of Nissan Europe. “In that time, we’ve sold more EVs than any other manufacture on the planet. Now we’re outlining our plans for the next decade, which will see even bigger investments in infrastructure, new battery advances and will even change the way people access and pay for the power in their cars. Put simply, we’ve been doing it longer than anyone else, we’ve sold more than anyone else, and we have a more exciting plan for the future than anyone else.”

New vehicles
Headlining the Nissan Futures 3.0 event was the European premiere of the new Nissan LEAF, with a special “2.ZERO” version for Europe. As the icon of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the new Nissan LEAF is capable of travelling 378km on a single charge* and is packed with ingenious technology, including ProPILOT advanced driver assistance system for a safer, more comfortable drive and ProPILOT Park for fully autonomous parking. The car’s e-Pedal technology also lets motorists drive and brake seamlessly, while a sleeker design makes the world’s best-selling electric vehicle even more desirable than before.

Another new product announced at Nissan Futures was the new longer-range 100% electric van – the e-NV200. With a 280km range*, Europe’s best selling electric van, can now travel 100km further than ever before on a single charge – a 60% range improvement. And, with no increase in size or weight of the battery itself, customers do not have to compromise in either load space or payload. Crucially, it can help make 100% electric last mile delivery a reality for businesses and professional drivers everywhere.

Infrastructure commitment
Nissan today announced its plan to expand its existing outdoor charging network in Europe by 20% over the next 18 months. Working with EV fast charging standard CHAdeMO, the company has already built Europe’s most comprehensive charging network, with over 4600 quick chargers across the region. Nissan now plans to invest in supporting the installation of a further 1000 chargers over the next 18 months. The company is working with its partners, business owners, municipalities and sector leaders across Europe to ensure the roll out plans are focused on providing maximum convenience to its drivers, with installations on highways, in towns, and throughout key European cities.

New battery advances
Nissan also announced its new 2018 range of home and office charging units giving more choice to owners than ever before.

The Nissan double speed 7kW home charger allows Nissan electric vehicle owners to achieve 100% charge in just 5.5 hours – a 70% reduction in charging time from the previous charging technology. The double speed charger has been designed to benefit consumer EV owners, with faster home charging than Nissan has ever offered before.

The Nissan 22kW charger goes even faster, capable of charging your Nissan EV in just two hours. Designed for fleet and business owners, the super-fast charger can also be purchased by consumers who want an even quicker charging experience.

Nissan also showcased its new home energy storage system, which follows on from the success of xStorage. Created especially for EV owners, customers can plug their electric vehicle directly into the wall box to charge. It comes with its own built in energy storage system, giving customers the ability to better manage their energy costs and even generate their own electricity from solar panels, delivering 100% renewable and zero emission power for their car.

It follows the success of Nissan’s existing xStorage solution, which was developed in partnership with Eaton and has sold more than 1,000 units across Europe in just three months, with 5,000 units expected to be sold by the end of March 2018. Nissan expects to sell 100,000 home energy units by the end of FY2020 in Europe.

The new range of home and office charging units will be available from early 2018.

Electric Vehicles and Intelligent Mobility ambassador, Margot Robbie, is back!


Revolutionary free energy breakthrough for EV drivers

Nissan also today revealed its bold mission to offer customers free power for its EVs.

Over the past year in Denmark, Nissan has been testing this revolutionary new way of driving and today, this has become an offer open to all fleet customers throughout the country. Using Nissan bi-directional charging, customers can draw energy from the grid to power their car or van and then “sell” back to the grid for others to use. This means, once a nominal charge has been paid by the business for the installation of a V2G charger there are no fuel or energy costs – just free power for your EV.

And Denmark is just the start. Nissan also announced a UK collaboration with OVO allowing customers to purchase an xStorage home energy unit at a discounted price enabling them to “sell” back energy to the grid. This helps contribute to grid stability in a world where demand for energy is increasing due to a growing, urbanizing population. It can result in an additional expected income for users averaging £350 / €400 per year.

Nissan is already exploring other regions in Europe to make free power for EVs a milestone for the future.

“Step by step, we are removing any barriers to electric vehicle adoption, from infrastructure investment to how people access the power itself,” said Willcox. “Over the coming decades, through our Nissan Intelligent Mobility vision, the electric ecosystem will transform modern life as we know it. But while the starting point for it is 100% electric vehicles like the new LEAF and e-NV200, the impact goes much further. With fewer emissions, our cities and air will be cleaner. With more intelligent safety features, car accidents would be reduced dramatically. With better connections between vehicles and their surroundings, the school run or daily commute will no longer be clogged with traffic. And by letting people charge their vehicle and their home from each other, we can use our time and energy supplies more efficiently than ever.”

courtesy: newsroom.nissan-global.com