Autonomous Driving Archives

Perodua D55L SUV to be launched soon and bookings are now accepted

*Visit www.bhpetrol.com.my to find out more about other promotions at BHPetromart.*

The Perodua D55L SUV (likely to be just the codename for now) was ready for launch earlier but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Malaysian carmaker delayed its launch. Now the time is right for it to enter the market and bookings are accepted from today at all authorised Perodua showrooms nationwide.

Spiritual successor of Kembara
Adapted from the latest Daihatsu Rocky/Toyota Raize, the spiritual successor of the Kembara is said to be the most advanced Perodua yet. It will be available in three variants – X, H and AV – at prices estimated to range from RM62,500 and RM73,400 (excluding insurance). As the model should be in the market before June 30, 2021 when the sales tax exemption is set to expire, customers will also get the money-saving benefit.

“The Perodua D55L is the first model under the Perodua Smart Build blueprint, spearheading breakthroughs for Perodua in style, safety, technology, equipment levels and value,” Perodua’s President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad said.

2020 Daihatsu Rocky — *The new Perodua D55L is known to be adapted from the latest Daihatsu Rocky/Toyota Raize.*

Autonomous motoring for all variants
The claim of being the most advanced Perodua comes from being the model of the brand’s model to offer Level 2 Autonomous motoring. The second of 5 levels in the industry-accepted standards established by the SAE (the American Society of Automotive Engineers), Level 2 allows automatic operation of certain driving functions. These can be related to cruising, steering and braking, but the driver must still monitor the road ahead and take action if necessary.

In the D55L, Perodua’s Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) – standard in all variants – will allow higher operating speeds than the current version and is capable of detecting 2-wheeled vehicles. Also available will be Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, while the top AV variant has Lane Keep Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control.

That’s certainly a lot of advanced technology which would never have been expected from an entry-level brand like Perodua. “True to our aim to continually bring more and more advanced technology to the masses, the Perodua D55L AV is Malaysia’s most affordable Level 2 Autonomous vehicle, bringing state-of-the-art safety and convenience to a wider audience,” said Dato’ Zainal.

First Perodua with turbo engine and CVT
The D55L will also be Perodua’s first turbocharged vehicle, in line with the global trend of using forced induction while downsizing engine displacements. Perodua has not mentioned the engine size although it is likely to be a 1-litre 3-cylinder unit similar to that of the latest Rocky. Additionally, it will be the first Perodua to use a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) which will help it achieve fuel consumption claimed to be up to 18.9 kms/litre.

Other features include LED headlamps (standard across the range), while H and AV variants get Adaptive Driving Beams, a 7-inch TFT multi-info display and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with voice command capability.

Built and painted at Perodua’s factory, the X and H variants are available in Glittering Silver, Granite Grey and Cobalt Blue, with the H variant also available in Pearl Diamond White and Pearl Delima Red. The last three colours are new for Perodua. The top AV can be had in Glittering Silver, Granite Grey, Pearl Diamond White, Pearl Delima Red, or the last two colours with a black roof. A 5-year or maximum of 150,000 kms warranty is offered with every new vehicle.

‘Perodua Smart Build’ launched as carmaker’s first sustainable blueprint

A 20-year journey to ‘hands-off’ motoring

Having to continuously hold the steering wheel while driving can be tiring but it should be done for safety reasons. On long journeys, many drivers may wish that they could just take their hands off the steering wheel, just like cruise control where you set the desired speed and don’t have to keep pressing on the accelerator pedal. It helps to reduce fatigue and makes motoring more enjoyable.

Cruise control is now available in many cars but ‘hands-off driving‘ is still rare as carmakers are still developing the systems to ensure safety. However, Nissan’s new ProPILOT 2.0 system already offers it in the latest Skyline which is now on sale in Japan. The award-winning advanced driver assistance system – a unique ‘wow’ factor for the model – lets drivers take their hands off the wheel under certain conditions in a single lane on certain highways in Japan. It also assists the driver with traveling on a multi-lane highway until reaching a predetermined exit, able to handle overtaking and lane changes.

For the team that developed the ProPILOT 2.0 system, creating a ‘wow’ factor wasn’t the goal. “Our team started the development of ADAS (advanced driver assistance system) technology 20 years ago,” explained Tetsuya Iijima, General Manager of Autonomous Driving and ADAS at Nissan, whose team developed ProPILOT 2.0. “And in the first 10 years, we were mostly focusing on the driver assistance technology to help avoid accidents.“

20 years of innovations in safety
In 1999, Nissan introduced adaptive cruise control, which helps prevent rear-end collisions [with the vehicle ahead] by reducing the car’s speed when it approaches a vehicle in front. In 2004, Nissan was the first carmaker to introduce a lane departure warning system. This evolved into a lane departure prevention system that physically helps the driver manoeuvre their car back into its lane. Neither was intended to ‘wow’ customers – they were simply meant to help avoid collisions due to driver inattention or in emergency situations.

Iijima’s team went further, pursuing driver safety and peace of mind in non-emergency situations as well. “We shifted to more integrated driver assistance systems,” he recalled. “Such systems assist in multiple tasks leading to a safe and comfortable overall driving experience.”

Nissan ProPilot — *Display when the car’s computer is doing the driving.*

The first-generation ProPILOT was launched in 2016 and was an outcome of this effort. Currently available in certain models in selected markets, it assists with steering, acceleration and braking in a single lane. The technology works in tandem with the driver, providing peace of mind and helping reduce fatigue behind the wheel.

“We drew a realistic roadmap to deliver more sophisticated and trustworthy technologies step by step,” Iijima explained. “That’s the reason we came to this point faster than anyone else.”

Field tests and feedback accelerate introduction
Getting advanced safety technologies to customers early and receiving their feedback helped Nissan in its continued pursuit of driver safety and comfort. Iijima’s team also carried out field tests in San Francisco, Los Angeles, London and Tokyo starting in 2013. “These experiences gave us rich information that helped us expand the technology’s capabilities,” he said.

The introduction of ProPILOT 2.0 marked another major milestone for these efforts. It uses 5 cameras including one trifocal camera, 5 radars, and 12 sonars for a 360-degree, real-time picture of the vehicle’s surroundings. The system combines this with high-definition 3D map data that covers the number of lanes, merging and split points and intersections to provide a smooth driving experience. Going beyond the original ProPILOT, the second-generation system also supports lane changes and hands-free driving under certain conditions.

“After 20 years, we’ve come to a certain point where the driver can trust the system and allow it to support major parts of driving on the highway,” Iijima said. “ProPILOT 2.0 integrates a whole suite of new technologies that required support from other suppliers – like a high-definition map provider and a sensing technology provider. So, this is really a collaboration.”

“Our team always gets a bit overwhelmed when starting to work on entirely new technology,” Iijima revealed. “However, when we complete development and see it benefiting customers, we gain new confidence and energy to go to the next step.”

Nissan Intelligent Mobility System
The Nissan Intelligent Mobility System available in some models sold in Malaysia such as the Serena, X-Trail and LEAF EV is also the outcome of constantly evolving safety technology at Nissan. The intelligent technologies available include an Intelligent Around View Monitor which has 360-degree coverage that also has sensors to detect moving objects around the vehicle.

There’s also an Intelligent Forward Collision Warning system with emergency braking which immediately activates if there is a likelihood of hitting the vehicle ahead. If the system finds that the driver has not reacted in time, then it will immediately apply the brakes. Even if a collision occurs, its severity can be reduced as the braking lowered the speed earlier. The Intelligent Driver Alertness system detects when the driver is drowsy and suggests taking a break.

Visit www.nissan.com.my to locate a showroom where you can experience these advanced Nissan technologies.

Volvo to work with public to ready autonomous cars

Volvo is one of the pioneers of autonomous cars, this news isn’t new. What is however, is the fact that the Swedish automaker will be developing its fleet of self driving vehicles with the help of regular civilians. Select Swedish families will be responsible for testing these cars on the public roads of Gothenburg and feedback their impressions to Volvo Cars engineers.

The first two families of this pilot programme are the Hains and Simonovskis. They will be tasked with driving their respective XC90 SUV on daily commutes to help the automaker iron out some of the creases with its systems. Called the Drive Me project, data collected here will allow engineers to monitor and study the acquired data from these vehicles.

https://youtu.be/xQvpUZQzcBg

Drive Me will involve real customers who will be responsible for testing various stages of Volvo’s autonomous system from driver-assisted to fully autonomous. During the initial stages, drivers will need to keep their hands on the steering wheel while the vehicles are in motion. Later on, they will be exposed to more advanced autonomous functions after attending special training sessions.

“Drive Me is an important research project for Volvo Cars,” said Henrik Green, Senior Vice President for the company’s R&D department. “We expect to learn a lot from engaging these families and will use their experiences to shape the development of our autonomous driving technology, so that by 2021 we can offer our customers a fully autonomous car.”

https://youtu.be/gv8Vw8yiliI

These XC90 vehicles have been fitted with Volvo’s latest driver-assistance technology, as well as an array of cameras and sensors. The initial stages of the programme will take place in a controlled environment under the supervision of a Volvo Cars safety expert. Once the Hains and Simonovskis get the hang of things, they will be allowed to use these vehicles as their daily drivers.

Volvo plans on launching its first fully autonomous car for the general public by 2021. And the data acquired through Drive Me, will play a vital role for the automaker as it prepares its technology for mass production.

Nissan IMx showcases automaker’s tech of tomorrow

Nissan IMx, an all-electric crossover concept vehicle is the automaker’s vision of future mobility. It’s angular design coupled with the signature V-shaped grille give the car a menacing stance. The long curved bonnet and sophisticated fin shaped front fascia seems to have been inspired by the aeronautics industry.

The car is powered by Nissan Intelligent Mobility, which is the company’s approach to changing how cars are powered, driven and integrated with society. Built on the automaker’s EV platform, the IMx has a flat under body and floor, which not only lowers the centre of gravity for better driving dynamics, but increases cabin space and luggage carrying capacity.

A pair of electric motors power the front and rear wheels, giving the car AWD capabilities. Their combined power is rated at 320kW and an amazing 700Nm of torque. Juice is supplied via a high capacity battery that has been engineered for increased energy density. On a full charge, Nissan says that the IMx is able to travel 600km before needing to be recharged.

This vehicle also has autonomous driving capabilities too, thanks to a system called ProPILOT. Once engaged, the IMx stores away the steering wheel and recline all seats, leaving ample room for the driver and passengers to rest and enjoy a relaxing journey. When disengaged, the steering wheel is propped back up and the driver can than resume control over the vehicle.

Adding to that, the car is also able to drop off its driver at his/her destination then search for a suitable parking spot to recharge. Once he or she returns, the IMx unplugs from the charger and heads on over to the pick up point. It is also able to pick a suitable charging time depending on tariffs, and when possible, return power to the power grid.

The whole process is carried out efficiently, thanks in part to the increased battery capacity and connected-car technologies, including Seamless Autonomous Mobility. It’s a future that many sci-fi movies have envisioned for years and now, Nissan might be able to bring it to reality in the not so distant future.

Speaking of the car, Daniele Schillaci, executive vice president for global marketing and sales, zero-emission vehicles and the battery business, said, “Through Nissan Intelligent Mobility, Nissan is committed to changing the way people and cars communicate, as well as how cars interact with society in the near future and beyond.”

Inside, the car has a panoramic OLED instrument display panel that allows for a view of the external environment in the background. Despite seeming a bit gimmicky, Nissan has also fitted a separate, wood grain-patterned display, which is positioned below the instrument panel and wraps around the interior door trims.

Through the use of artificial intelligence or AI, drivers will be able to control what’s displayed on the instrument panel with just their eye movements and hand gestures. This type of user interface negates the need for many physical buttons and switch-gear that we are accustomed to seeing in our cars today and instead, offers a less cluttered and more elegant cabin design.

We don’t know when these technologies will make thier way into mass produced Nissan vehicles, but such systems will prove to be exceptionally beneficial in our busy world. It could reduce the number of accidents resulting from inattentiveness, driver fatigue and other issues.

Lyft working with Ford for autonomous ride service

Ford has been all over the news these past few weeks and this time it’s no different. The American automaker has teamed up with Lyft, a transportation network company to explore how autonomous vehicles can benefit both parties.

Similar to Uber, Lyft works by connecting drivers to passengers through a mobile app. Those wishing to use the service will need to sign up with Lyft and fill in their details and payment method.

Drivers who wish to drive for Lyft are subjected to stringent security checks including face to face interviews with the company before being approved as a driver. Apart from this, Lyft also limits the number of hours drivers are allowed to operate each day, which does offer passengers the peace of mind of knowing that their driver won’t fall asleep while at the wheel.

Through its partnership with Lyft, Ford will explore the following categories:

How to create a technology platform that it can easily connect with a partner’s platform (such as Lyft’s) to effectively dispatch a self-driving vehicle
Which cities to work with to deliver a self-driving vehicle service based on shared data and information
The kind of infrastructure necessary to service and maintain a fleet of self-driving vehicles to maximise availability to consumers

Ford has been hard at working on research and development of its self-driving technology that includes its Argo AI’s virtual driver system. It is also looking into building the proper infrastructure to allow for better access of this technology by the general public.

Autonomous vehicles are said to be the future of transportation, because once the human element is eliminated from the system, incidents of fatigue related accidents or driver error could be reduced dramatically.

As such, the partnership between Lyft and Ford will involve building a service based around the actual needs and wants of people. They will need to make sure that safety and dependability can be guaranteed in order to convince the general public to trust self-driving technology.

Initially, a joint technology platform will be developed where Ford will deploy human-driven vehicles on Lyft’s network to test the interface and ensure compatibility with Lyft’s app and customer usability.

At the same time, Ford will also connect its self-driving test vehicles to Lyft’s network but they won’t be made available to the latter’s customers. Instead, it will allow the automaker to develop the technology to ensure that it meets the safety requirements and needs of future customers.

According to a statement by the automaker: “The partnership with Lyft will accelerate plans to build a profitable and viable self-driving vehicle business. With Lyft’s network and respected brand experience, Ford expects its ability to scale self-driving vehicles will play a critical role in safely bringing this technology to mainstream consumers.”

Such a partnership isn’t groundbreaking, Lyft’s rival, Uber has partnered with automaker’s like Volvo to test its own version of autonomous transportation. In fact, Uber has been ramping up R&D in this area to push this cutting edge technology to the masses in record time.

Ford contributes $5 million to support automated technology

Ford Motor Company has contributed $5 million (RM21 million) to the American Center for Mobility (ACM) to support connected and automated vehicle (CAV) technology development. This will designate Ford as a Founder-level sponsor and member of a government-industry team that supports ACM’s efforts.

The investment will help ACM create an automated vehicle proving ground in Southeast Michigan. This is where companies will be able to develop their CAV technologies and work on other areas that include creating the appropriate standards and education programmes.

Located at Willow Run in Ypsilanti Township, the new non-profit 500-acre state-of-the-art testing site will be used for testing, validation, product development and education purposes. This facility’s first phase will be operational at the end of this year, signaling the beginning of major studies into autonomous transportation.

This latest investment brings ACM’s fundraising total to $95 million (RM397 million), which will go a long way in helping it accomplish its goal. This will also allow for better synergy between entities who share the same goal of creating more advanced autonomous systems.

“We couldn’t be more proud to have Ford Motor Company join the ranks as a Founder. When we first announced our plan to develop the American Center for Mobility, it may have seemed a little ambitious to some,” said John Maddox, president and CEO of ACM.

“However, we’re well along in making this a reality as national and global partners continue to support the facility,” he later added.

Ford’s contribution has allowed it to join ACM Founders Toyota Motor North America (TMNA, Toyota Research Institute (TRI) and AT&T in paving a path for the future of mobility.

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