Nissan Drives into the Future with Fully Autonomous Urban Test

Saudi Arabia : Nissan marks a major milestone in autonomous driving by testing a driverless vehicle on public roads, moving closer to launching advanced mobility services in Japan.

• First Nissan autonomous test vehicle with no driver on complex public roads.
• 14 cameras, 9 radars, 6 LiDAR sensors ensure enhanced detection.
• Service launch planned for 2027 in collaboration with Japanese ministries.
• Ongoing development based on global research, including the UK and US.

In a bold move toward next-generation mobility, Nissan has unveiled its latest advancement in autonomous driving. The brand showcased its newest driverless technology by testing a completely unmanned vehicle in a complex urban area in Yokohama, Japan. 

The breakthrough test marks a significant step in Nissan’s long-term goal to roll out commercial autonomous mobility services across Japan, addressing transportation challenges caused by aging populations and driver shortages.

Pushing the Boundaries of Autonomy

The autonomous test vehicle—based on Japan’s best-selling minivan, the Serena—navigated real urban traffic without a human onboard, a first in Japan. The vehicle was equipped with a powerful suite of technology including 14 cameras, nine radars, and six LiDAR sensors, all mounted high on the Serena’s roof to maximize visibility and precision. This configuration significantly improves the vehicle’s ability to read and respond to its surroundings.

The use of AI has taken center stage in the system’s development. It enables the vehicle to accurately recognize its environment, predict human and vehicle behavior, make quick decisions, and smoothly navigate complex traffic scenarios. AI also enhances the vehicle’s control responses, ensuring a seamless and safe experience even in dynamic conditions.

Key Features of the Test Vehicle

• Sensor suite: 14 cameras, 9 radars, 6 LiDAR sensors.
• Elevated sensor mounting: Higher vantage point for better detection.
• AI integration: Advanced recognition, behavior prediction, and control.
• Safety protocols: Emergency stop features and scenario-based redundancies.
• Base vehicle: Serena, Japan’s top-selling minivan.

Safety First in Real-World Testing

Before the road test, Nissan engineers created and verified countless scenarios the vehicle might encounter on the road. From pedestrians and cyclists to unusual vehicle movements, every detail was mapped and tested. To further ensure safety, the car is equipped with an emergency stop function and built-in redundancies, allowing the system to override errors and bring the vehicle to a halt if needed.

The test is part of a larger project that began in fiscal year 2017. Building on years of research and demonstrations, Nissan is now gearing up for service trials using 20 autonomous vehicles in Yokohama between 2025 and 2026. These trials will pave the way for full-scale service launches by fiscal year 2027.

Collaborative Road Ahead

Nissan’s autonomous drive roadmap is closely aligned with support from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and the Yokohama City Government. These bodies are jointly driving autonomous mobility efforts through the Level 4 Mobility Acceleration Committee, focused on creating future transport services.

Through partnerships, research, and tested innovation, Nissan is shaping a new era of transport—one where smart, safe, and fully autonomous vehicles redefine how people move. This Yokohama test is more than just a milestone—it’s the foundation of what could become Japan’s most advanced mobility solution.