Embargoed until
14 October 1999
NEW NISSAN TO ‘INTEGRATE’ CITY TRANSPORT
In February 2000, Nissan will launch an electric vehicle that will change the way people move around the city. The Nissan Hypermini is designed for shared public use and integration with public transport systems. Field trials currently underway will reveal the full scope of the vehicle’s potential to ease city congestion. Initially, the car will go on sale in the metropolitan areas around Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto.
Hypermini is a two-seater, electric vehicle that can travel 100 miles on a £1 charge, with a top speed of over 60 mph. It is a fundamental part of Nissan’s visionary Intelligent Transport System, which sees personal transportation in a totally new light.
Hyperminis are currently being tested by commuters in a Tokyo suburb. A vehicle rental company has also been asked to experiment with the car and the on-board technology that allows shared public use.
Tourists will also take part in the Hypermini tests to travel from their hotels to the local sightseeing spots.
The Nissan Hypermini, which is designed for short journeys around town, can be booked online and by telephone, or can be rented at unmanned vehicle stations located at stations and hotels.
An operations control centre monitors the use of the Hypermini, and is able to locate the vehicle’s position at any time.
Drivers can access route guidance and traffic information from the operations centre, which can be transferred automatically to the in-car navigation system. A button on the dashboard activates the automatic location system, and provides directions to the nearest terminal at any point during the course of a journey.
To eliminate the possibility of power failure, the car warns the driver of a low charge level before the vehicle becomes unable to reach a return station. In any event, the operations centre can be contacted at the touch of a button.
A high performance lithium-ion battery powers the Hypermini. The vehicle’s lightweight aluminium space frame means that it can travel over 70 miles on a single charge. The battery can be fully charged in approximately four hours.
Nissan’s Intelligent Transport System aims to create a working model that allows the free flow of city traffic, at the same time maximising driver convenience and minimising environmental impact.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Frank Shepherd Corporate Affairs Assistant 01923 899930
email: frank.shepherd@nissan.co.uk
Stewart McKee Corporate Affairs Manager 01923 899930
email: stewart.mckee@nissan.co.uk
25474/141099