Nissan Develops New Parking and Pedal Assist Technology

You’ve probably heard about the relatively new technology that helps vehicles park. And you may have also heard about the technology called lane assist, which helps to prevent cars that veering into adjoining lanes. To be complete accurate, lane assist senses when you are getting too close to another vehicle and guides you back to the place you were before. Well, now Nissan has developed a piece of technology that essentially combines both of these ideas.

Nissan calls this “Emergency Assist for Pedal Misapplication.” Yes, I know it isn’t very catchy moniker is it? Doesn’t even make a good acronym. But there you go. Clearly originated by engineers and not the marketing department. And that’s a good thing!

This is designed to compensate (or even take over) when a driver accidentally presses the accelerator pedal instead of the brake, or even if they press the gas too hard. The main purpose of this technology, according to Nissan, is to cut back on accidents which happen in places like parking lots and other close quarters environments.

What’s behind this Emergency Assist for Pedal Misapplication tech?

This new technology employs 4 cameras which are installed on what Nissan calls their “Around View” monitor and these are coupled with some sonar sensors. These work together to detect if another vehicle is in a parking space or if there are other large stationary objects, such as walls, close by. If so, then the system takes over and apply the brakes to avoid a collision if inappropriate throttle use is detected. It does not actually park the park in and of itself; it just slows the vehicle down to avoid an accident.

This is part of a larger program at Nissan called its Vision Zero safety plan. The idea behind this initiative is to eliminate all injuries and traffic fatalities from auto accidents. A pretty hard target, to be honest, but they join Volvo in this noble attempt, so they clearly not completely on their own on this one. Of course, a combination of technologies like this can pave the way for a fully-automated vehicle such as those Google is testing.

When Will We See This Tech Introduced?

Emergency Assist for Pedal Misapplication is scheduled to be included on the forthcoming Nissan Elgrand, a luxury van that is available only in Japan and certain other Asian markets (as well as through Integrity Exports).

It is particularly appropriate for this kind of large minivan whose sheer scale and shape can make it rather unwieldy in confined spaces.

What do you think? Is this useful tech, or another expensive but pointless feature that simply serves to keep the cost of vehicles high?