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Nissan Unveils Major Advances in Connected Car Technology


nissan (select to view enlarged photo)

- CEO Carlos Ghosn Announces Plans for Automotive Communications Systems Offering Drivers Breakthroughs in Safe Access to Connected Services and Content -

* New generation of NissanConnect(SM) debuts on all-new Altima

* Innovative new twin-display shown in Infiniti LE Concept

* Collaboration with Google®, Pandora® Radio and Intel®

NEW YORK--April 5, 2012: 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.

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.