Nissan licenses ECO Pedal technology to Mikuni for sale to other companies
16 November 2010
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., will license its ECO Pedal technology to Mikuni Corporation. Nissan and Mikuni jointly developed the ECO Pedal system (earlier post), the first technology of its type to assist drivers in fuel efficient driving, and commercialized it for the Nissan Fuga, which was launched in 2009.
When the ECO Pedal system is on, each time the driver exerts excess pressure on the acceleration pedal, the system counteracts in advance with a pedal push-back control mechanism (tactile indicator) to support drivers for more effective, fuel-efficient driving. Studies show that effective eco-driving behavior with ECO Pedal drive assist contributes to improve fuel efficiency from 5 to 10% (based on internal measurement) in many driving conditions.
Through the licensing agreement, Mikuni will be able to sell this technology to other companies.
Nissan plans to contribute to the growth of technology through its efforts to promote the application of its unique technologies and know-how not only for its own use, but also in a variety of fields. Profit generated through the effective utilization of such assets will be used for investing in new technology development, further contributing to Nissan’s technological competence.
The licensing of the ECO Pedal technology is an example of this type of effort. Nissan will promote the wide-spread application of this system to lower price and increase adoption to a wide range of vehicles including those of other automakers.
A 5+% fuel saving with a smarter ECO pedal make so much sense that it should be introduced on all vehicles. Some of the Profits from patent rights could be used to find cures for devastating diseases.
Posted by: HarveyD | 16 November 2010 at 08:36 AM