Nissan shouts about research

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

  • Pedestrians detected by their mobile phones
  • A new Nissan hybrid on sale in 2010
  • Car and traffic light interaction system, too

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Nissan boffins have been busy - the company's latest innovations range from cars that can detect pedestrians by their mobiles and talk to traffic lights, to new battery-powered models and engine technologies.

Nissan has just started research on how mobile phones can be used to increase road safety rather than distract drivers. Pedestrians' mobiles can be used to identify their position on the road and send warnings to drivers as part of Nissan's Intelligent Transport System (ITS).

The system would track the speed and direction of pedestrians, and give visual and/or warning alarms to motorists about potential dangers.

Hybrids on the way, and new valve technology, too
The lithium-ion batteries commonly used in mobile phones also have another part to play in Nissan's future - albeit on a larger scale - following the announcement of a new company formed by Nissan and NEC.

While it might be a couple of steps behind Honda and Toyota when it comes to petrol-electric hybrids, the joint company will develop new lithium-ion batteries for use in Nissan's first hybrid, which is expected in 2010.

Variable valve timing might not be new technology - Honda has been doing it for years - but Nissan will introduce it on its new cars, beginning with the Infiniti G37 coupe going on sale in the UK next year. By varying the timing and action of the engine's vales, Nissan reckons it can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 10%.

Smart traffic lights
Dozens of ultra-smart traffic lights are also being installed at Nissan's technical research centre in Japan.

Fitted on two miles of road within the centre used by hundreds of car and pedestrians, the traffic lights will monitor traffic and change phases depending on the amount of cars and pedestrians.

Nissan is looking at how changing the phases of the lights can reduce accidents with pedestrians and reduce congestion. Part of its research involves installing traffic light signals in the car itself - these interact with the smart traffic lights on the road.