Nissan Unveils advances in connected car technology

Carlos Ghosn, Nissan Motor Company's chief executive officer, has unveiled initiatives in automotive communications technology intended to move Nissan and Infiniti into a leadership position in the connected car content and services market. In announcing the collaboration with companies such as Google, Pandora Radio and Intel at the New York International Auto Show, Ghosn said, "It's clear that consumers expect to be connected wherever they are, and that includes the time spent in their automobiles. To mee
Networking & Communication Systems / April 10, 2012
Carlos Ghosn, 838 Nissan Motor Company's chief executive officer, has unveiled initiatives in automotive communications technology intended to move Nissan and 4777 Infiniti into a leadership position in the connected car content and services market.

In announcing the collaboration with companies such as 1691 Google, 4776 Pandora Radio and 4243 Intel at the New York International Auto Show, Ghosn said, "It's clear that consumers expect to be connected wherever they are, and that includes the time spent in their automobiles.  To meet those needs, Nissan is developing a series of innovative breakthroughs in communication devices that will be safe to use while driving."

Nissan's eighth generation connected car system, NissanConnect, debuts on the all-new Altima, which was revealed at the New York International Auto Show and will be available in July. It 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 revealed 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. According to 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 Carwings system that is already available on the Nissan Leaf. A subscription-based connected car service that is focused on the specific needs of electric vehicle drivers, it will provide Leaf drivers with improved accuracy of predicted driving range thanks to new algorithms that will use on-board and Internet-based information.

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