Nissan Develops New Car Navigation System for Beijing

Beijing, July 31 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s Nissan Motor Co. said Tuesday it has developed a prototype car navigation system with Beijing Transportation Information Center that will help ease traffic congestion.

Nissan and Beijing Transportation Information Center are hoping to put the system into practical use before the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

The system gives drivers information on the quickest routes to destinations using data about the locations and speeds of 10,000 taxis. Route information will be delivered through mobile phone networks and displayed on dashboard navigation monitors.

Tests that began here in January show that driving time was reduced by an average of 20 pct, twice the amount of time a similar system saves drivers in Tokyo, Nissan said.

Nissan hopes the system will help ease traffic congestion, cut fuel consumption and reduce carbon dioxide emissions, the company said.END

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