Nissan Presents Eco-driving Support Service

NISSAN TO TEST NEW ECO-DRIVING SUPPORT SERVICE
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Posted by: Matt

NISSAN TO TEST NEW ECO-DRIVING SUPPORT SERVICE
–Aimed at improving fuel economy and reducing CO2 emissions–

TOKYO (September 22, 2008)–Nissan Motors Co., Ltd., announced today it would begin testing an Eco-driving Support Service which will utilize its advanced information system ITS*1. The service will advise drivers on more fuel-efficient driving methods based real-time analysis. Testing begins Sep. 24.

The new service, which will be available on Nissan’s CARWINGS navigation system website, will evaluate the driving behavior of drivers who are currently taking part in Nissan’s SKY Project*2 in Kanagawa Prefecture. The SKY Project, which began in October 2006, allows for vehicle-to-infrastructure communication to help reduce traffic accidents and ease congestion.

Eco-driving has been expected in the transportation industry as a way to reduce CO2. However, it has received little support aside from public workshops. Accordingly in 2007, Nissan introduced a new eco-driving support system for its CARWINGS members, the first telematics service for non-business purposes. The first telematics service provided information such as monthly fuel-efficiency rankings derived from members who drive the same model and helpful topics in eco-driving. The new Eco-driving Support Service can potentially improve fuel efficiency by basing its advice on individual driver’s habits, giving a more personalized approach to eco-driving tips.

Details are as follows;

1. Comprehensive evaluation of Eco-driving
* Overall evaluation of daily eco-driving.
* Itemized evaluation of fuel-efficiency and idling.
* “Eco Forest” indicator which grows as eco-driving continues.
2. Analysis of eco-driving
* Change of fuel consumption in each driving range and each type of road.
* Points to improve fuel efficiency.
* Analysis of actions related directly to fuel efficiency, such as acceleration, idling, and air-conditioning use.
3. Eco-driving training
* Training program where drivers can learn eco-driving skills such as “slow acceleration” when starting, “using less acceleration and deceleration” while driving, and “smooth deceleration” when pulling in.
* Training program to encourage continued eco-driving with potential benefits like “up to 1,000 yen savings in gas money” and “reduction of up to 10kg of CO2”.*3

Based on the results of the test, Nissan will examine the effect and acceptability of the Eco-driving Support Service. The results will be evaluated for use in future services including its CARWINGS service.

With its aim to reduce greenhouse emissions, Nissan will continue to introduce more eco-friendly products and services under its Nissan Green Program 2010.

(*1) Intelligent Transport Systems: An advanced information system connecting people, vehicles and traffic infrastructure.
(*2) SKY Project: SKY is an abbreviation of Start ITS from Kanagawa, Yokohama. This project is a collaboration between Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., NTT DoCoMo, Inc., Matsushita Electrical Industrial Co., Ltd., and Xanavi Informatics Corp.
(*3) This is based on calculations by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in Japan.Contact Info: Matt