NEW
YORK, April 5, 2012
/PRNewswire/ -- Carlos Ghosn, Nissan
Motor Company's chief executive officer, this week unveiled a
series of major initiatives in automotive communications technology
intended to move Nissan and Infiniti into a leadership position in
the connected car content and services market.
(Logo:
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080506/NISSANWORDMARKLOGO )
In announcing the collaboration with technology innovators such
as Google®, Pandora® Radio and
Intel® at the New York International Auto Show, Ghosn
said Nissan was determined to introduce class-leading connected
content and services to drivers and passengers around the world in
a way that does not distract the driver.
"It's clear that consumers expect to be connected wherever they
are, and that includes the time spent in their automobiles," said
Ghosn. "To meet those needs, Nissan is developing a series of
innovative breakthroughs in communication devices that will be safe
to use while driving."
Ghosn noted that 20 years ago, the radio was the only connection
to the outside world available in a car. "Today, we take it
for granted that we can communicate by mobile phone using
Bluetooth® technology, check traffic conditions and
receive navigation guidance while driving," he said. "By
2020, aided by wireless and cloud-based technologies, Nissan will
offer our customers enhanced safety and a wide variety of new
conveniences like accident-avoiding driving intervention
technologies, electric vehicle charging reservations, or a music
player that adapts to the listener's moods."
Three Pioneering Technologies
Nissan's eighth generation connected car system,
NissanConnect(SM), debuts on the all-new Altima, which was revealed
at the New York International Auto Show and will be available in
July. This breakthrough product will provide Altima drivers
and passengers access to Google® local search,
Google® send-to-car destination navigation and
Pandora® Radio entertainment. The customer's
Bluetooth® phone will provide the connectivity.
Smartphone or data plans are not required.
Ghosn also hinted at what customers will soon see available at
Infiniti dealerships. He announced the dual-display concept,
a technology that debuted in the Infiniti LE Concept, a zero
emission luxury concept car. The twin-display will be
available on Infiniti production models starting in 2013.
This technology, an auto industry innovation, was developed with
the help of Intel®, a world leader in computing
innovation. Ghosn said that working with Intel®
and having Intel® technology inside Infiniti's future
vehicles will give drivers a rich in-vehicle experience that will
keep Nissan drivers and passengers informed, entertained and
productive while maintaining optimal safety.
Intel® brings a wealth of experience in consumer
electronic devices and IT in collaborating with Nissan to deliver
on the shared vision for the connected car. "Through our
ongoing joint research and product development, Intel®
and Nissan are bringing an enriched driving experience to the road
in a safe, effective and enjoyable way," said Tom Steenman, vice president and general
manager, Intelligent Systems Group at Intel®
Corporation. "The processing power of the Intel®
Atom™ processor will enable Nissan to deliver relevant driving
information to drivers and entertainment to passengers at the same
time through a twin display."
Ghosn also announced enhancements planned for Nissan's
award-winning CARWINGS® system that is already available
on the Nissan LEAF. CARWINGS® is a
subscription-based connected car service that is focused on the
specific needs of electric vehicle drivers. Soon, LEAF
drivers will have improved accuracy of predicted driving range
thanks to new CARWINGS® algorithms that will use
on-board and Internet-based information.
Nissan is the automotive leader working with partners to develop
a global electric vehicle charging network. As more chargers
are available, the on board CARWINGS® system is
periodically refreshed automatically. Soon, with selected
partners, customers will be able to check the current availability
of each EV charger.
About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's
operations include automotive styling, design, engineering,
consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution
and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the
environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010 and has been
recognized as a 2010 and 2011 ENERGY STAR® Partner of
the Year by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More
information about Nissan in North
America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti
vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and
www.Infiniti.com.
About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is
headquartered in Yokohama, Japan,
and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more
than 248,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with
more than 4.1 million vehicles in 2010, generating revenue of
8.77 trillion yen ($102.37 billion US). With a strong
commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all,
Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of 64 models under the Nissan
and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero-emission mobility,
Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the
first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of
numerous international accolades, including the prestigious
2011-2012 Car of the Year Japan, 2012 RJC Car of the Year, 2011
European Car of the Year, and 2011 World Car of the Year
awards.
For more information on our products, services and commitment to
sustainable mobility, visit our website at
http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.
SOURCE Nissan North America, Inc.