Self-Driving Innovation
Imagine hopping into a car that knows where it’s going, reads the road like a pro, and safely gets you to your destination without you lifting a finger. It sounds futuristic, but Nissan’s latest autonomous driving technology is already making this dream a reality on the bustling streets of Yokohama, Japan.
While this game-changing tech isn’t available in South Africa just yet, we’re watching closely as Nissan makes huge strides towards mobility that’s smarter, safer, and more accessible for everyone. Here’s what’s been happening on the roads of Japan and why we think it’s cause for excitement.
A Live Test In The Heart Of The City
Earlier this year, Nissan put its self-driving Serena minivans to the test in live city traffic, navigating a four-kilometre loop between its Yokohama headquarters and a nearby waterfront district. It was the first time in Japan that an autonomous vehicle, with no driver inside, successfully tackled a public road in a complex urban setting.
That’s not just a milestone. That’s history in motion.
These vehicles safely negotiated intersections, steered around parked cars, yielded to pedestrians, and followed the 40 km/h speed limit, all without a person behind the wheel. But don’t worry, safety was still front and centre: remote operators monitored the journey, and onboard personnel were ready to intervene if needed.
Packed With Cutting-Edge Tech
To make this level of autonomy possible, each Serena test vehicle is packed to the roof, literally, with advanced gear that includes:
- 14 cameras
- 9 radar sensors
- 6 lidar units
Together, these allow the vehicle to perceive its surroundings in incredible detail. The Serena’s higher roofline (compared to the LEAF hatchback used in earlier tests) offers better sensor positioning, improving visibility and reaction times.
What Does ‘Autonomy’ Really Mean?
In the world of self-driving tech, there are levels, from Level 0 (no automation) to Level 5 (fully autonomous in all conditions). Nissan’s current Serena test models fall into Level 2 territory, which means they can steer and accelerate on their own but still require human oversight.
But the vision is much bigger. By 2027, Nissan aims to roll out Level 4 autonomous vehicles capable of handling all driving functions under specific circumstances, like a city loop or shuttle route, without any human input at all. That future’s not far off. More public ride trials are planned for later this year in Japan, with wider regional testing set to follow.
Solving Real-World Transport Problems
This isn’t just a cool science project. Nissan is focused on practical solutions to real-world challenges. With Japan’s ageing population and growing driver shortages in public transport, autonomous mobility services could offer a lifeline, providing convenient, on-demand rides where buses or taxis are no longer viable.
In partnership with government departments and municipalities, Nissan is building a framework to launch these services in the coming years. If successful, it could shift the way people move around cities, not just in Japan but globally.
Global Tech Story With South African Appeal
So, why should South African drivers care about what’s happening in Yokohama? Because it shows where the Nissan brand is headed. This commitment to innovation filters down to the vehicles we already drive.
Features like ProPILOT Assist, intelligent emergency braking, and smart cruise control are rooted in the same tech DNA as these self-driving systems. That means when you get behind the wheel of a Nissan in Mzansi, you’re already experiencing the early chapters of this autonomous revolution.
What’s Next For Nissan?
With 20 autonomous vehicles set to undergo testing in 2025 and 2026, Nissan is gearing up for a full-fledged autonomous mobility service by 2027. The groundwork laid by years of international collaboration—from Silicon Valley to Yokohama—is paying off, and the brand’s vision for humanised autonomy is gaining traction.
We might not see these self-driving shuttles on South African roads just yet, but one thing’s for sure: The future is coming, and Nissan is at the wheel. Check back soon for more exciting Nissan updates, vehicle launches, and future-forward innovations. We’ll keep you in the know!
