Nissan develops self-driving technology amid business struggles

In Japan, Nissan Motor Co. is actively developing new self-driving technology as part of its efforts to revitalize its struggling auto business. The company recently conducted a demonstration of its advanced autonomous driving technology, showcasing a Nissan Ariya sedan equipped with an extensive array of sensors, including 11 cameras, five radars, and a next-generation LiDAR. This innovative technology is designed to navigate congested and unpredictable urban streets, an advancement from their previous models, which were primarily optimized for freeway driving. Nissan's focus on autonomous driving comes as the self-driving car market is projected to reach a staggering $2 trillion by 2030. This growth is driven by significant advancements in artificial intelligence, sensor technology, and data processing capabilities. The competitive landscape includes major players like Toyota Motor Corp., which has formed a partnership with Waymo, the self-driving technology developed by Google. Waymo is currently testing its technology in Japan in collaboration with a local cab company. Despite the strong competition, Nissan is pushing forward with its self-driving initiative at a time when the Japanese auto market is facing multiple challenges. Factors such as President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs have impacted the market significantly. As a result, Nissan has had to take drastic measures, including job cuts and an executive reshuffle, appointing Ivan Espinosa as the new chief executive in an attempt to stabilize the company's operations and finances. During the fiscal period of April to June, Nissan reported losses, continuing a trend of financial difficulties that the company has grappled with throughout the previous year. The pressure to innovate and become competitive in the autonomous vehicle market is part of Nissan's broader strategy to turn around its fortunes and ensure a viable future within the evolving automotive landscape.