Nissan Dealers at Las Vegas Meet Excited About New Nissan Products and Technology

Nissan Dealers at Las Vegas Meet Excited About New Nissan Products and Technology

Posted on September 20, 2017

Nissan has always been a leader when it comes to new technology and there are a lot of exciting new products coming down the pike. Recently returned from a national meeting of Nissan dealers in Las Vegas, Vickar Nissan Vice-President Tim Penner is particularly enthusiastic about the manufacturer’s new ProPILOT Assist technology. Designed specifically for North American roads, ProPILOT Assist, Penner explains, uses a forward-facing camera and radar, sensors and electronic control to help the driver stay in the center of the driving lane and to maintain vehicle speed (set by the driver) or help maintain a gap to the preceding vehicle if the vehicle speed drops below the driver-set speed. It also can slow the vehicle to a complete stop and holds the vehicle during traffic jam conditions.

Designed specifically for North American roads, ProPILOT Assist, Penner explains, uses a forward-facing camera and radar, sensors and electronic control to help the driver stay in the center of the driving lane and to maintain vehicle speed (set by the driver) or help maintain a gap to the preceding vehicle if the vehicle speed drops below the driver-set speed. It also can slow the vehicle to a complete stop and holds the vehicle during traffic jam conditions.

To activate the system, the driver simply pushes the blue ProPILOT Assist ON button, which is integrated into the right-side steering wheel spoke. Step two is to set the Intelligent Cruise Control when the desired speed is reached, as with a normal advanced cruise control system.

While providing steering assist, reducing the need for constant small steering adjustments, the driver’s hands must be on the steering wheel at all times. Hands-on detection is provided by the system’s steering torque sensor. If the driver only grips the steering system with a light touch, the warning system may activate, alerting the driver to apply more pressure or a tighter grip on the steering wheel.

The ProPILOT technology, Penner says, will first be introduced in the 2018 Leaf and Rogue and later incorporated in all Nissan models.

Penner also spoke about the new Nissan Leaf. “The new Leaf is going to give Tesla a run for its money,” Penner says. “With ProPILOT, it becomes the first electric vehicle with semi-autonomous driving. Among electric vehicles, it offers the best value. It is an electric vehicle that everyone can afford.”

Although the official arrival date for the new Leaf has still to be confirmed, Penner notes that one Vickar Nissan customer has already pre-ordered a 2018 Leaf.

For further information about the 2018 Leaf and ProPILOT, contact Vickar Nissan at 204 669-0791 or drop into the dealership at 1424 Regent Avenue West.