Japan: Nissan claims two world firsts for new distance and cruise control systems

Thursday, December 13, 2007,

AutomotiveWorld.com

Nissan is to introduce what it says are two pioneering technologies on the forthcoming facelifted Fuga luxury sedan (Infiniti M sedan). The OEM claims the car's Distance Control Assist and navigation-enabled Intelligent Cruise Control systems are world firsts.

The new Distance Control Assist system helps control the gap between two vehicles under various traffic conditions, from congested urban roads to high-speed expressways, the company states.

Thanks to radar sensors mounted in the front bumper, the technology will slow the car if it gets too close to the vehicle in front. The technology will also apply a force to the throttle pedal to tell the driver to ease off the accelerator if necessary. Further, if the car ahead slows suddenly, Distance Control Assist will alert the Fuga's driver via an audible warning and prevent acceleration.

The second new innovation with the new car, an improved version of Nissan's Intelligent Cruise Control system, integrates route information via the on-board navigation system to monitor the vehicle's cruising speed, matching it to actual road conditions.

This feature also uses a radar sensor installed in the front bumper, while electronics ensure that a pre-set following distance is maintained. When there is no vehicle ahead, the Fuga will cruise at the selected speed.

Innovations over Nissan's existing Intelligent Cruise Control include functionality across the full-speed range, starting from zero only, as opposed to the current 5-100km/h. The new technology will also brake the car under certain traffic conditions.

By utilising route information fed through the on-board navigation system, Intelligent Cruise Control can also modulate the vehicle's speed in anticipation of the next curve in the road, Nissan says. When approaching the bend, the car gradually decelerates, resuming speed upon exit and the return to a straight section.

On versions of the new Fuga fitted with both Distance Control Assist and Intelligent Cruise Control, the driver is able to select either function setting using a switch on the steering wheel, maximising safety and convenience in all driving conditions. The new car will be released in Japan later in December.

Published on Thursday, December 13, 2007