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Nissan tests Wayve-powered assisted driving system for Japan launch in 2027

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Nissan Motor announced on Monday that it has begun testing a new driver-assistance system developed in partnership with UK startup Wayve, with a commercial launch in Japan planned for the 2027 financial year.

The system was recently demonstrated in Tokyo using Nissan Ariya electric vehicles, which showcased advanced collision avoidance features tailored for busy urban environments. Unlike highways, city driving poses unique challenges due to pedestrians, parked cars, and delivery traffic.

The prototype vehicles are equipped with a powerful sensor suite:

  • 11 cameras

  • 5 radars

  • 1 lidar sensor

This setup enables Level 2 autonomous driving, meaning the system can handle steering, acceleration, and braking, but requires drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and be ready to intervene.

Wayve, backed by SoftBank and Nvidia, specializes in AI-driven self-learning systems for autonomous driving and recently opened a testing and development centre in Japan.

Nissan has been gradually advancing its driver-assist technology since launching ProPilot in 2016, followed by an upgraded version in 2019 that focused on highway driving. The new collaboration with Wayve represents Nissan’s push to bring advanced autonomy into complex urban environments.

GM Shifts Focus to Super Cruise After Robotaxi Setback

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General Motors (GM) is shifting its technology strategy toward its Super Cruise driver assistance system after discontinuing its costly robotaxi venture, Cruise. The company expects Super Cruise, a partially automated driving system similar to Tesla’s Autopilot, to generate approximately $2 billion in annual revenue within five years.

Super Cruise, available on select Cadillac and large SUV models, enhances driver convenience while ensuring attentiveness through a robust sensing system. Unlike Tesla’s Autopilot, Super Cruise actively monitors driver engagement, offering a more structured approach to hands-free driving. Customers can access the technology as a standard or optional feature, with optional pricing between $2,200 and $2,500. After a free three-year trial, users can continue with a subscription at $25 per month or $250 annually.

Despite GM’s push into software-driven vehicle technologies, its stock remains undervalued compared to Tesla. Tesla’s valuation is around 120 times expected earnings, reflecting its tech-driven appeal, while GM trades at just five times earnings. Investors also remain cautious about potential tariffs under the Trump administration, which contributed to an 8.9% drop in GM shares following its earnings report.

However, GM CEO Mary Barra remains optimistic about Super Cruise’s growth. The automaker expects to double its fleet of 360,000 Super Cruise-enabled vehicles in 2025. Currently, about 20% of users subscribe after their trial period ends, and GM aims to increase its subscription revenue as more vehicles reach their renewal window.

While Super Cruise involves hardware costs such as cameras and radar, analysts believe its software component will be highly profitable. Recurring subscription revenue could boost customer retention and brand loyalty, strengthening GM’s long-term position in the driver-assistance market.

 

Synopsys and SiMa.ai Partner to Accelerate AI Chip Development for Automakers

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Synopsys, a leading provider of chip-design software, and SiMa.ai, a startup specializing in energy-efficient AI hardware and software for cars, have announced a strategic partnership aimed at advancing the development of artificial intelligence (AI) chips for the automotive industry.

Focus on Energy-Efficient AI for Automobiles

The collaboration is designed to support automakers and suppliers in developing AI-powered chips that can handle diverse functions within cars, particularly in electric vehicles (EVs). As EVs face competition for battery power between chips and drive systems, energy-efficient AI solutions are crucial. SiMa.ai has developed hardware and software that can handle a variety of AI tasks, such as computer vision for driver-assistance systems and voice assistants that listen for driver commands.

Partnership Benefits

The partnership will provide Synopsys users access to SiMa.ai’s intellectual property, enabling automakers to use advanced tools to simulate how chips and software will work together. This will help car manufacturers and suppliers identify the best chip-and-software combinations for their specific needs, improving performance and energy efficiency.

Industry Implications

SiMa.ai aims to integrate advanced AI technologies, such as voice assistants, into vehicles within the next three years. However, these AI technologies typically rely on power-hungry chips used in data centers, requiring adaptation to meet the energy demands of automobiles. SiMa.ai’s solutions are designed to be highly energy-efficient, fitting within the power and performance constraints of automotive applications.

Krishna Rangasayee, CEO of SiMa.ai, emphasized that the company’s technology is specifically built to meet the energy and performance needs of the automotive sector. The companies did not disclose the financial details of the agreement.