Nissan may not be thought of as a leader in the area of driver-assistance technologies, but the Japanese brand has made steady progress with its ProPilot system through the years. Back in 2018, the semi-autonomous system in the Rogue was a finalist for one of our top technologies of the year. Then, in 2019, the more advanced ProPilot 2.0 system arrived. But Nissan has more ambitious plans on the horizon. It has just signed an agreement with autonomous driving technology company, Wayve, to bring AI-driven driver assistance to Nissan models across the globe—including right here in the United States. It makes Nissan the first automaker to commit to deploying Wayve AI systems at scale across multiple vehicle segments.
Semi-Autonomous Driving in Multiple Scenarios
Nissan ProPilot system with Wayve AI tech
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While many Level 2 systems are limited to hands-free driving on highways, the Wayve AI Driver software will enable driving assistance in more complex urban environments, too. ProPilot 2.0 can already handle multi-lane support and hands-off driving, but these capabilities are no longer cutting edge.
Unlike Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system, which utilizes cameras primarily, Nissan will use LiDAR sensors in combination with Wayve’s AI tech. Cameras and other sensors will work in tandem with LiDAR to create a system that can easily adapt to new vehicle segments or cities. Nissan is already testing the technology in a series of Ariya prototypes, with plans to release the first model with the advanced ProPilot system in 2027 in Japan. Other markets are expected to follow thereafter.
“By combining Nissan’s advanced autonomous driving expertise with Wayve’s state-of-the-art AI technology, we are setting a new benchmark for driver assistance,” said Ivan Espinosa, President and CEO of Nissan. “The widespread adoption of our next-generation ProPILOT integrated with Wayve AI will deliver safer, more intuitive and more comfortable driving experiences to customers worldwide, while accelerating the transition toward an intelligent mobility future.”
Related: Nissan’s New ProPilot Assist Could Finally Beat Tesla’s Autopilot
Nothing Can Match Tesla’s FSD Right Now
Tesla Model Y
Tesla
Although Tesla’s FSD still has its safety concerns, no other automaker has an equivalent Level 2 system. FSD has the ability to manage all driving duties from one destination to the next, even finding and pulling into parking bays. After a recent series of updates, FSD is reported to be smoother than before, with a driving style that feels more natural.
However, it’s still a Level 2 system that requires the driver to remain attentive at all times, ready to take over if necessary. Level 3 systems, which don’t require constant driver attentiveness, are limited to select Mercedes-Benz models in the United States.
Despite being a Level 2 system, Elon Musk recently stated that drivers can text while FSD is in charge, a controversial statement, to say the least.
Automakers like Nissan are taking a slower, more cautious approach to enhancing their self-driving systems. New features are added less frequently than with Tesla, and most rely on an array of sensors, not only cameras.
