Nissan Pro Pilot V2 hits the streets in Japan

NISSAN has unveiled what it calls a “world-first” Level 2 autonomous driving technology in Japan, though the system is unlikely to be seen in Australia for a number of years to come.

Initially available only in Japan in select hybrid versions of the facelifted Nissan Skyline range, the Pro Pilot Version 2.0 enables prolonged hands-off-steering-wheel driving under satellite navigation guidance in certain conditions but will become more widespread as next-generation models are launched.

According to Nissan Australia corporate communications director Karla Leach, while Pro Pilot V2 demonstrates the company’s technological advancements in the field of autonomous driving, the special infrastructural and global positioning system requirements that enables the technology to work has yet to be carried out in Australia.

“Pro Pilot Version 2 is only certified to work on certain roads in Japan,” she told GoAuto at last month’s Tokyo motor show. “And as we won’t be getting this Skyline in Australia, we will have to wait for future models to come along first.”

The demise of the Infiniti brand in Australia means that the model on which the V37 Skyline is based upon, the Infiniti Q50, won’t be returning to this market wearing Nissan badges, precluding the current car from our shores.

With the satellite navigation operating and a destination set on certain pre-mapped areas, Pro Pilot Version 2.0 will steer reliably, while at all times using driver-vision scanning and monitoring technology to ensure the driver’s eyes are always on the road.

If safety conditions are not met and the driver fails to take control of the steering wheel, the car will first sound an alarm before automatically connecting to a live operator while slowing down and then pulling over to a complete stop safely on the side of the road. 

The system employs the Skyline’s surround-view cameras and radar technology to gather traffic and environmental information before determining whether lane changes for branching and overtaking other vehicles safely on the route are possible.

Note that it will not execute any manoeuvres until the driver restores their hands on the steering wheel rim first.

Nissan says that Pro Pilot Version 2.0 will not work on two-way streets, in tunnels, on curved roads, with toll booths, or in lanes that merge into one.

No date has been announced as to if or when Pro Pilot Version 2.0 will be prepared and available for Australian consumers.