NISSAN DEVELOPS ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Nissan has today announced the development of a new Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system that automatically maintains a set distance behind the car in front, adapting to changing road situations. It will be launched on a production vehicle in Japan in summer 1999.

The driver selects a vehicle speed, as with a conventional cruise control and the required distance from the car in front is also selected, from three options.

Once in operation, the system measures the distance to the vehicle in front and the rate at which that distance is increasing or decreasing with a millimetre-wave radar installed in the nose. Using this data, it controls vehicle speed by increasing or decreasing the throttle input and by use of the brakes, to maintain the correct distance.

If the vehicle in front slows down or another vehicle cuts in front, the ACC system automatically closes the throttle to return the distance to the pre-programmed level. The brakes will also be applied when greater deceleration is required.

When the distance between the vehicles exceeds the pre-set level, the system opens the throttle and accelerates the car until the selected speed or the selected distance to the vehicle in front is reached.

Nissan develops Adaptive Cruise Control…2

The driver can override the system at any time by braking or accelerating the car manually. In this case the ACC system is released and priority is given to the driver’s input.

Major benefits of the system:

· Safety – reduces the chance of collision.

· Reduces driver fatigue and stress.

· Provides smooth and progressive application of accelerator and brakes to give a comfortable ride even in congested driving conditions.

· Use of the millimetre-wave radar means the system can still work accurately in extreme weather conditions. There is no interference from heavy rain, snow or spray.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT

Graham Biggs Product Affairs Manager 01923 899930

e-mail graham.biggs@nissan.co.uk

23919/301198

Issued by Nissan