Nissan unveiled its Distance Control Assist and navigation-enabled Intelligent Cruise Control systems today. Slated to launch in Japan this month, both systems are part of Nissan’s initiative to reduce accidents involving its cars by 50% — when compared to 1995 levels — by 2015.
Distance Control Assist
The Distance Control Assist system is designed to help avoid accidents when approaching a vehicle from the rear. When a radar sensor in the car’s front bumper detects another vehicle, the car automatically determines the following distance as well as the relative speed of both vehicles.
If the car’s accelerator is not engaged, the system automatically activates the brakes. If the accelerator is engaged, the system pushes back on the accelerator in an effort to get the driver to lift their foot.
If the vehicle ahead slows or comes the a stop, the system can also warn the drive with audio and visual warning signals.
Navigation-enabled Intelligent Cruise Control
Nissan ’s navigation-enabled Intelligent Cruise Control — as the name implies — uses the vehicle’s navigation system to control its cruise control. When the GPS system detects an oncoming curve, it automatically slows the vehicle and then brings the vehicle back up to speed upon exit.
No word when either technology will be available on U.S.-spec Nissan vehicles.
