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Nissan and Monolith Expand AI Collaboration to Speed Up Car Development

Nissan has expanded its partnership with UK software company Monolith to accelerate car development using artificial intelligence. The collaboration aims to reduce the need for physical testing by applying AI-driven data analysis, significantly shortening the time it takes for new models to reach the market.

The renewed partnership follows the successful use of Monolith’s AI to cut testing time for chassis bolt tightening on the new electric Nissan Leaf — a process that will now be applied to upcoming European models as well.

Emma Deutsch, Director of Customer-Oriented Engineering and Test Operations at Nissan Technical Centre Europe, noted that Chinese automakers can develop a new model in just 18 months, adding, “We’ve got to get vehicles to market quicker.” By applying Monolith’s AI to physical test data collected since the 1992 launch of the Nissan Micra, the company managed to shorten bolt-tightening tests from six months to five, with a goal to cut them further to three months.

Nissan is now working with Monolith on additional projects to reduce testing times for tyres and batteries. These AI applications could help Nissan reduce overall vehicle testing by 20%. Monolith’s recent acquisition by AI data centre operator Coreweave is expected to further enhance R&D efficiency in the automotive sector.

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

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.

Nissan Eyes Foxconn EV Production to Prevent Oppama Plant Closure

Japan’s Nissan Motor is reportedly in talks with Taiwan’s Foxconn to allow the electronics giant to manufacture electric vehicles (EVs) at Nissan’s Oppama plant in Yokosuka, south of Tokyo. This move could potentially save the factory from closure amid Nissan’s broad restructuring efforts.


Background:

Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa announced plans to restructure the company, including closing seven out of 17 factories worldwide and cutting the workforce by roughly 15%. The Oppama plant, which employs about 3,900 workers, was among those considered for shutdown.

Potential Deal:

  • Allowing Foxconn to produce EVs at Oppama could help avoid the plant’s closure, preserving jobs and supporting local suppliers.

  • Foxconn is also reportedly considering acquiring a portion of the Oppama facility.

  • In May, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan’s junior partner, signed a memorandum with a Foxconn subsidiary for Foxconn to supply an EV model.

Official Statements:

Nissan said the Nikkei report on the talks was not based on information officially released by the company. Foxconn did not respond to requests for comment.