Category: Nissan Intelligent Mobility
Driving The Future With Nissan’s Bold New Game Plan
Posted by Group1 Nissan on 13 Jun 2025
Nissan Transformation Plan For A Bold Future
Nissan is turning a sharp corner, and it’s no minor course correction. Under the bold new banner of Re:Nissan, the global automaker is laying down a smart, strategic plan to reimagine its future.
At Group1 Nissan, we’re genuinely excited about what’s coming. This isn’t just about bouncing back. It’s about reinventing how Nissan delivers innovation, value, and performance to drivers across the globe, including right here in Mzansi. Let’s unpack what this bold game plan means and why the next few years are going to be seriously exciting for Nissan fans.
A Future-Focused Reboot
With tough economic headwinds and rising costs globally, Nissan has taken a bold step forward. The Re:Nissan strategy aims to get the company back to strong profitability by fiscal year 2026. To do that, Nissan is trimming the fat and setting its sights on smarter, faster operations.
The goal? Cut a massive ¥500 billion in total costs, half from fixed costs, and half from variable expenses. But this isn’t just about spreadsheets. It’s about building a more agile business that can keep up with fast-changing markets and deliver standout vehicles that customers genuinely want.
Also see: Nissan’s Next Small Wonder is looking E-xciting!
Streamlining to Drive Performance
One of the standout features of the plan is Nissan’s decision to consolidate its global manufacturing footprint. The company will reduce the number of its vehicle plants from 17 to 10 by 2027. It’s a big move that will free up resources and improve efficiency, ultimately leading to better vehicles and improved value.
Nissan is also planning to streamline its supplier network, doing business with fewer suppliers, but at higher volumes. At the same time, the company will pause work on future product developments beyond 2026, redeploying thousands of employees to focus on cost-cutting and efficiency. Every bit of this strategy is about trimming complexity and building something lean, strong, and future-fit.
Learn more: A Nissan Electric Pickup May Become a Reality
Faster Smarter Vehicle Development
Here’s where it gets seriously exciting for South African customers: Nissan’s vehicle development timelines are getting a major speed boost. Under the new plan, the first models in a family will be developed in just 37 months, and subsequent variants in only 30 months. That’s quicker, nimbler innovation, and it means fresher, more relevant models landing sooner on showroom floors.
The brand is also cutting the number of platforms it uses from 13 to 7 by 2035 and reducing parts complexity by a whopping 70%. Look out for future-forward models like the all-new Nissan Skyline and next-generation INFINITI compact SUV, which are already in development under this streamlined system.
Market-Specific Focus
One size doesn’t fit all, and Nissan knows it. That’s why Re:Nissan introduces a market-specific strategy, tailoring vehicle offerings to what people want in each region. Key markets include the US, Japan, China, Europe, the Middle East, and Mexico – but Nissan’s approach makes space for smart, locally relevant models in regions like South Africa too.
What does this mean for us? A more refined selection of models suited to local roads, conditions, and driver preferences. Think rugged bakkies, fuel-efficient sedans, and family-friendly crossovers; Nissan’s commitment to core markets ensures that even smaller ones benefit from a smarter global strategy.
Read next: The Electric Shift: Nissan’s Bold Road Ahead
Stronger Partnerships = Smarter Innovation
Nissan is leaning into collaboration as part of its transformation. With Renault and Mitsubishi Motors still in the fold, co-developed models are on the horizon, including a new battery electric vehicle (BEV) designed for the North American market, based on the next-generation LEAF.
The company is also keeping close ties with Honda as they continue to explore intelligent vehicle technologies and electrification. These partnerships help Nissan access new tech, expand offerings, and stay at the cutting edge, all of which ultimately benefit customers looking for smarter, future-ready vehicles.
Looking Ahead With Confidence
Nissan’s Re:Nissan plan is more than a reset. It’s a bold statement of intent. By sharpening focus, cutting unnecessary complexity, and accelerating the pace of innovation, Nissan is gearing up to lead, not just follow, in the future of mobility.
For South African drivers, this means more relevant models, better quality, and improved value. Whether you’re shopping for a tough and capable Navara, a nippy Magnite, or a new-generation Nissan EV down the line, you’re in for an exciting ride.
Be sure to check back soon on the Group1 Nissan blog for the latest news, vehicle updates, and behind-the-scenes Nissan insights. The road ahead looks bright!
The post Driving The Future With Nissan’s Bold New Game Plan appeared first on Nissan Blog at Group1.
ProPILOT Assist 2.0 vs 1.0: 5 Upgrades South African Drivers Should Know
Posted by Group1 Nissan on 30 May 2025
Best Nissan ProPILOT Assist 2.0 vs 1.0 Explained
There’s a noticeable shift happening in the way we drive. Cars are starting to help out in real ways: easing the load in traffic, keeping us in our lane on long trips, and stepping in when our attention slips for a second.
If you’ve driven the last-gen Qashqai (now discontinued) or X-Trail, you may already be familiar with ProPILOT Assist 1.0, a system that supports you with steering, braking, and acceleration when conditions allow. First introduced on the current-generation Nissan LEAF in 2017, it’s gradually made its way into more models, and for many South African drivers, especially those logging long hours on the road, it has quietly changed the experience of highway driving.
But Nissan’s latest version – ProPILOT Assist 2.0- brings even more new features, deeper intelligence, and a more seamless human-machine partnership on the road. So, what exactly sets ProPILOT Assist 2.0 apart from version 1.0? And more importantly, why should South African drivers care? Any technology that can help us navigate the chaos of South African roads, whether it’s bumper-to-bumper city traffic or unpredictable highway conditions, is worth understanding.
Taking The Stress Out Of Highway Driving
ProPILOT is Nissan’s semi-autonomous advanced driver assistance system built specifically for highway driving. Backed by over two decades of development, it combines proven safety features with the latest in radar and camera technology to support steering, acceleration, and braking. The system can operate automatically in certain conditions, helping reduce driver fatigue in stop-start traffic and on longer journeys.
One of its key features is stop-and-hold functionality that can bring the car to a complete stop, keep it stationary, and then accelerate again when traffic moves. It’s a valuable support tool, especially in heavy traffic or on long highway stretches, helping you stay centred in your lane and keep a safe following distance with less effort. Drivers can switch ProPILOT Assist on or off using a button conveniently placed on the steering wheel.
Understanding The Versions Of ProPILOT Assist
Nissan has steadily refined ProPILOT Assist over the years, building on each version to add more capability and comfort behind the wheel:
|
ProPILOT Assist 1.1 |
ProPILOT Assist 2.0 |
|---|---|
|
This first version focuses on single-lane highway driving. It combines adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance to help maintain a steady speed, a safe following distance, and keep the car centred in its lane. Drivers must keep their hands on the wheel at all times. |
Representing a significant leap forward in driver assistance technology, this version allows hands-free driving on select pre-mapped highways when conditions are right. It also brings in enhanced lane change support, helping the vehicle shift lanes smoothly when the driver indicates, thanks to a more sophisticated sensor suite, high-definition maps, and a driver-monitoring system. While driving, you can let go of the wheel and take your feet off the pedals, but you still need to stay alert and ready to step in if the situation calls for it. |
5 Key Upgrades With ProPILOT Assist 2.0
Nissan has long been a leader in vehicle safety, and with the introduction of ProPILOT Assist 2.1, drivers now have access to even more intelligent features designed to make every journey safer and more comfortable. Here’s a look at some features included in ProPilot Assist 2.0.
1. Hands-Free Highway Driving
ProPILOT Assist 2.0 allows drivers to go hands-free in single-lane highway scenarios under specific conditions. The system uses a driver-facing camera to ensure you’re paying attention and can retake control if necessary. It’s not fully autonomous, but it’s a major step toward it.
2. Automatic Lane Changes
Tap the indicator, and ProPILOT 2.0 can safely change lanes for you, scanning surrounding traffic, checking blind spots, and executing the manoeuvre when it’s safe. The car can assist with lane changes either by prompting the driver to confirm or by executing the manoeuvre with driver input. In high-speed multi-lane scenarios, this upgrade adds both confidence and convenience.
3. Navigation Link Integration
Using high-definition maps, ProPILOT 2.0 adjusts your speed proactively when approaching off-ramps, curves, or intersections. It anticipates the road ahead rather than reacting to it, creating a smoother, safer ride, especially important for South African roads where conditions can change quickly.
4. Driver Attention Monitoring
2.0 features a more advanced driver monitoring system that doesn’t just check for steering input—it actually tracks eye movement and head position. This means better accuracy in determining driver alertness and a safer experience overall.
5. 360° Camera Integration
By combining data from radar, cameras, sonar, and GPS, the system offers a more holistic view of your surroundings. This is especially useful in SA’s mixed driving environments, where unexpected hazards, from taxis to wildlife, can appear at any moment.
Side-by-Side Comparison: ProPILOT Assist 1.0 vs 2.0
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison to help you see how the two versions stack up:
|
Feature |
ProPILOT Assist 1.0 |
ProPILOT Assist 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
|
Hands-Free Driving |
No, hands must stay on the wheel |
Yes, in designated highway conditions |
|
Adaptive Cruise Control |
Yes – maintains speed and distance |
Yes – improved responsiveness |
|
Lane Keeping / Centring |
Yes – active at highway speeds |
Yes – enhanced with more natural steering |
|
Automatic Lane Changes |
No |
Yes – driver-initiated, system-assisted |
|
Map-Based Predictive Driving |
No |
Yes – adjusts speed for curves, junctions |
|
Driver Monitoring System |
Basic – monitors steering input |
Advanced – camera tracks driver attention |
|
Sensor Suite |
Radar + camera |
Radar, cameras, sonar + high-def maps |
|
Available In SA |
Yes – Qashqai, X-Trail |
Not yet – launch models expected soon |
|
Best Use Case |
Stop-start traffic and steady highway drives |
Long-distance cruising and busy highways |
Current Availability And What’s Coming
As of now, ProPILOT Assist 1.0 is available in South Africa on models like the last-gen Nissan Qashqai and X-Trail. Nissan’s ProPILOT technology will also be available in the all-new Nissan Patrol, which is planned to launch in South Africa in 2026.
ProPILOT Assist 2.0, however, is currently rolling out internationally, starting with top-tier models like the Nissan Ariya and select variants of the Altima and Rogue in North America and Japan. To date, ProPILOT 2.0 has earned strong praise from drivers globally for being a confidence-boosting technology that helps ease stress and fatigue behind the wheel. While there’s no official South African release date yet, Nissan has confirmed it’s actively planning for the local rollout of 2.0-equipped models as our infrastructure and legal frameworks align with the tech’s capabilities.
Experience ProPILOT For Yourself
We often talk about driver fatigue, long commutes, and unpredictable road conditions as just “part of life” in South Africa. But Nissan’s ProPILOT technology directly addresses those realities, making it easier, safer, and smarter to drive. With ongoing enhancements in their technology, Nissan is paving the way toward fully autonomous driving with features that will be increasingly relevant as global and local regulations evolve.
If you’re curious to experience the future of driving, book a ProPILOT demo drive today at your nearest Group1 Nissan dealership for a hands-on experience with the last-generation Qashqai or X-Trail. Or, follow our Group1 Nissan Facebook page for launch alerts to be among the first to know when ProPILOT Assist 2.0-equipped models arrive in South Africa.
Upgrade your drive with smarter, safer, and more intuitive driving assistance!
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Nissan And Mitsubishi Partner To Create Self-Driving Cars!
Posted by Group1 Nissan on 18 Dec 2024
Self-Driving-Cars
In an exciting move, Nissan and Mitsubishi have announced a new partnership to develop self-driving cars. It sounds like something out of “Back to the Future”, but the future seems to be on its way at rapid speed thanks to this collaboration, which is a major step towards a world where cars not only drive themselves but are also smarter, safer and better for the environment!
By combining their expertise in automotive technology, these two companies are paving the way for a new era of intelligent transportation.
Let’s take a look more closely.
What Are Self-Driving Cars?
Self-driving cars, also known as autonomous vehicles, are no longer confined to science fiction. These vehicles are equipped with advanced technologies that allow them to sense their surroundings, process data and make decisions in real-time, all without human intervention.
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) defines six levels of automation. Nissan and Mitsubishi are working towards higher levels of autonomy, aiming to create vehicles capable of revolutionising our roads and cities.
Driving Sustainability Through Innovation
This shift towards autonomous mobility aligns with the broader global push for sustainability. The transport sector, responsible for nearly a quarter of energy-related CO2 emissions, is undergoing a revolution, thanks to international pressure.
The transition toward cleaner, technology-enabled systems is not just necessary — it’s urgent. Autonomous vehicles are central to this transformation. They promise a future where traffic is optimised, emissions are reduced and energy use is more efficient.
Electric vehicles, already at the heart of the global effort to reduce emissions, are a natural fit for autonomous technology. By 2030, it’s projected that there will be over 300 million EVs on the road, accounting for 60% of new car sales.
A Safer Future
Autonomous vehicles are not just about sustainability — they’re also about safety. Self-driving cars, with their ability to process hazards, detect pedestrians and avoid collisions, will make roads that much safer.
At the same time, they open up new possibilities for people with limited mobility, offering greater independence to individuals who may not otherwise be able to drive.
Challenges To Overcome
While the potential benefits of self-driving cars are immense, challenges remain. Public trust in autonomous systems needs to be earned, and regulatory hurdles must be addressed.
The infrastructure required to support autonomous vehicles, from intelligent traffic systems to widespread EV charging networks, will require significant investment.
Cybersecurity is another major concern, as connected systems are vulnerable to hacking and data breaches.
Nissan and Mitsubishi will need to address these challenges head-on as they develop secure and resilient systems that consumers can trust.
Driving Toward The Future
The partnership between Nissan and Mitsubishi represents a significant leap forward in the evolution of transport. It’s about more than just building cars — it’s about reimagining the future of automation.
By embracing advanced technologies and committing to sustainability, these companies are helping to create a future that is cleaner, safer and smarter.
For more Nissan-related updates, news and promotions, make sure to follow us on Facebook and stay connected as we move into this exciting new era of transport.
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Buckle Up For The Future: Nissan’s Roadmap To Autonomous Driving
Posted by Group1 Nissan on 16 Jul 2024
Nissan’s Self-Driving Cars: Roadmap to a Future in Motion
Imagine cruising through the bustling streets of Cape Town in the middle of the summer holidays, or Jozi when a major rugby match is on at Ellis Park, not behind the wheel, but as a relaxed passenger. Nissan’s innovative autonomous driving technology is getting ready to make this vision a reality, and it’s closer than you might think…
Nissan Takes The Wheel In Autonomous Driving Development
For years, Nissan has been a frontrunner in Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), making features like lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking more affordable and accessible. According to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking can reduce rear-end crashes by a whopping 50%. Nissan’s commitment to democratising safety features has undoubtedly played a role in this progress.
Nissan’s Self-Driving Cars: Roadmap to a Future in Motion
Notably, Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist system, currently available on several Nissan models, is a Level 2 driver-assistance system that can help control steering, acceleration, and braking on single-lane highways. This technology provides a glimpse into the future of autonomous driving and offers a taste of the comfort and convenience it can bring.
Now, they’re pushing the boundaries even further with in-house developed autonomous driving tech. Their latest prototype, a modified Nissan LEAF, is a technological marvel. Fitted with 14 cameras, 10 radars, and 6 LIDAR sensors, it can perceive its surroundings in intricate detail. This sensory suite generates a 360-degree view with a range of up to 250 meters, allowing the car to navigate complex urban environments with impressive accuracy.
From Test Track To Your Town: Nissan’s Autonomous Journey
Nissan isn’t just tinkering in labs, however. They’re actively testing their autonomous vehicles on real roads. The Minato Mirai area of Yokohama, a bustling urban hub, is serving as their proving ground. Here, the Nissan LEAF prototype is encountering a variety of real-world challenges, from busy pedestrian crossings to unpredictable traffic patterns. This data-rich environment is crucial for not only refining the technology but also gauging public perception.
Nissan’s Self-Driving Cars: Roadmap to a Future in Motion
The ambitious goal? To launch a commercial autonomous mobility service in Japan by fiscal year 2027. This service would collaborate with local governments and transport operators to offer driverless transportation in select municipalities, including rural areas. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, autonomous ride-hailing services have the potential to create a $1.5 trillion market opportunity globally by 2030. Nissan’s initiative positions them to be a major player in this transformative shift.
A Sustainable Future On The Horizon
Nissan’s commitment to autonomous driving goes beyond convenience. It’s about creating a sustainable future for mobility. By minimising human error, a leading cause of accidents, autonomous vehicles have the potential to significantly reduce crashes. This translates to safer roads, fewer injuries, and less property damage.
Additionally, autonomous vehicles can optimise fuel efficiency by maintaining consistent speeds and anticipating traffic flow. This, in turn, leads to cleaner air and a reduced carbon footprint. This aligns perfectly with Nissan Ambition 2030, their vision for a future of safer, cleaner, and more accessible transportation.
Stay In The Front-Row Seat With Group1 Nissan
Here at Group1 Nissan, we’re thrilled to share this exciting journey with you. To stay updated on Nissan’s latest autonomous driving developments, and more emerging news from this innovative automaker, be sure to follow our Facebook page! We’ll bring you all the news, insights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses as Nissan steers us toward a new era of transportation. Buckle up, the ride promises to be revolutionary!
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How Does Nissan’s New Driver-Assistance Technology Work?
Posted by Group1 Nissan on 24 May 2022
Nissan is developing new driver-assist technology – “ground truth perception”
Nissan has long been a leader in driver-assistance technology which will stand them in good stead since it will play a vital role in the world of self-driving vehicles, which is not that far away. With a big focus on vehicle safety, Nissan is developing a new driver-assistance technology that uses highly accurate, real-time data of the vehicle’s surrounding environment which will help greatly improve collision avoidance.
Testing The New Driver-Assistance Technology
One of the biggest concerns over autonomous vehicles is collision avoidance from simple evading manoeuvres to more complex scenarios. So, with an eye on the future and improving overall road safety, Nissan showcased its new driver-assistance technology using a test vehicle at its facility in Japan.
Here, it successfully performed automatic collision-avoidance manoeuvres thanks to the automaker’s “ground truth perception” technology. It combines information from next-generation high-performance LIDAR, radar and cameras to identify and react to what lies ahead in real-time. This includes the following:
- Detect the shape and distance of objects
- Calculate the structure of the area surrounding the vehicle with an exceptionally high level of accuracy
- Instantly analyse the current situation and take the appropriate action to avoid a potential collision
- This new driver-assistance technology can detect slowed traffic and road obstacles and execute lane changes accordingly
- It can also provide added support to drivers in areas where detailed map information is unavailable
According to Takao Asami, senior vice president, leading global research and development: “Nissan has been the first to market a number of advanced driver assistance technologies. When we look at the future of autonomous driving, we believe that it is of utmost importance for owners to feel highly confident in the safety of their vehicles. We are confident that our in-development ground truth perception technology will make a significant contribution to owner confidence, reduced traffic accidents and autonomous driving in the future.”
Developing The Next-Gen LIDAR For Autonomous Driving
In preparation for the inevitable future of autonomous vehicles, Nissan has partnered with several reputable companies to research and develop this collision avoidance driver-assistance technology. Using leading technologies, the next-generation LIDAR will be integrated into Nissan’s system with Luminar, a global automotive technology company.
When it comes to advanced collision avoidance control, it is crucial to develop highly accurate verification technology within a digital environment. As with the collaboration with Luminar, Nissan is also partnering with Applied Intuition, a software engineering company with state-of-the-art simulation technology. All stakeholders working closely together and sharing knowledge puts Nissan in the driving seat in terms of developing next-gen driver-assistance technology.
The Future Of Autonomous Vehicles And Driver-Assistance Technology
Nissan has a long-term vision called Nissan Ambition 2030, in which it plans to use next-generation LIDAR technology to help drivers avoid collisions. They believe that driver-assistance technology to help avoid highly complex accidents will be essential in autonomous vehicles of the future.
Safety is important for carmakers and buyers across the world with governments also mandating the addition of certain features. This includes lane departure warning (LDW) and automatic emergency braking (AEB) which could pave the way for new driver-assistance technologies in self-driving cars.
Nissan wants its ground truth perception technology operational by the mid-2020s. While it will initially only be available on a select few new vehicles, it will eventually be on nearly every new vehicle by the end of 2030.
It appears Nissan has clearly outlined its plan and timelines to develop and launch this new driver-assistance technology. To keep up to date on this story and other articles covering new vehicles and driving tips, subscribe to our blog.
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Nissan Ariya EV Receives iF Design Award In Germany
Posted by Group1 Nissan on 09 May 2022
Nissan at the International Forum Design Awards
The new stunning and future-ready Nissan Ariya electric crossover has won the iF Design Award in Germany. It shares the prestigious accolade with the Nissan Pavilion after a jury of experts comprehensively evaluated both using five specific criteria: idea, form, function, differentiation and impact.
What Is The iF Design Award?
The iF International Forum Design GmbH in Hannover, Germany, launched the iF design award in 1954 and has since become one of the world’s most prestigious design honours. In this year’s competition, an independent jury with 132 design experts evaluated 10,776 products and projects from 57 different countries.
The iF Design Award aims to recognise and publicise exceptional designs. This year’s awards were based on nine categories:
- product design
- communication
- packaging
- service design
- concepts
- architecture
- interior design
- user experience (UX)
- user interface (UI)
A jury of 50 manufacturers and designers of various industrial products selected the winners based on aesthetics, functionality, quality, ergonomics, durability, and innovation. The product design category saw around 7,900 entries from roughly 60 countries.
All Eyes On The Nissan Ariya EV
The Nissan Ariya electric crossover was recognised for its exceptional innovation as an EV and high-quality design which highlights Nissan’s unique concept of “Timeless Japanese Futurism”.
The stylish Nissan Ariya combines Nissan’s expertise in electric vehicles with all the latest connected technologies. This marks the next chapter in the Nissan EV story which looks set on making history. In addition to the stunning exterior, the Nissan Ariya also offers powerful acceleration and a smooth, quiet ride. The interior is synonymous with a living room by providing a warm welcome and comfortable environment for the driver and passengers.
The innovative Nissan Ariya crossover SUV is the result of Nissan’s incredible expertise in electric vehicles. While packed with some of the most advanced technologies, it employs simple but modern styling that sets this EV apart from the rest.
The Nissan Pavilion And The Future Of Mobility
The Nissan Pavilion first opened in 2020 for a limited time where visitors could immerse themselves in the future of mobility. The building’s shape and the new Nissan logo represent Nissan’s idea that if you have a strong belief, it might even penetrate the sun. During the digital world premiere, the Nissan Ariya also adorned the new logo which was unveiled at the Nissan Pavilion.
Nissan has long been a leader in sustainable mobility solutions and wants to build a cleaner society. They want to become carbon neutral through the entire vehicle lifecycle and general operations by 2050 which comes from decades of research and development into programmes to help reduce emissions. Providing electric vehicle technologies that benefit the environment and society, including the Nissan Ariya, is but one glorious example.
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