Disruptive triangle promises opportunity

A ‘disruptive triangle’ of technologies promises opportunity to improve the quality of life for billions, according to Nissan chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn.

According to the Nissan chief, the disruptive triangle of electrification, autonomous drive and connectivity technology is forcing the global auto industry to rethink how its cars will operate in the future, and how society will use them.

Ghosn said, ‘If we get it right, the technology being developed and tested today eventually will provide for a world in which people are able to move about more efficiently, more safely and more cleanly, at lower cost and in different ways. It could improve the quality of daily life for billions of people.’

He points to three primary factors in driving the technological revolution:

Population growth: It is estimated that by 2030, 60% of the world’s population will live in metropolitan areas, as the number of ‘megacities’ – those with more than 10 million people – increases. That means more traffic jams, pollution and energy use.

Climate change: Combating climate change is the key mission of our generation, particularly for those of us in the auto industry. More restrictive emissions standards are on the way to help fulfill the goals of the 2015 Paris climate accord, and advanced powertrains, in particular electric vehicles, can help mitigate the effects of climate change.

Rapid innovation: We are in an era of tremendous, rapid technological advancement, one that is disrupting old business models and forcing industries to change. The global auto industry is no exception; I expect it to see more changes in the next five years than it has in the last 20.

While disruptive, the three technological forces of electrification, autonomous drive and connectivity also pose ‘tremendous opportunities’ according to Ghosn.

He continued, ‘Governments will have a critical role to play in paving the way for driverless cars, in setting consistent, clear regulations and testing procedures to ensure safety; the US government’s recently published Federal Automated Vehicles Policy is a good start.

‘In preparing for this new future, the Renault-Nissan Alliance is taking part in conversations, forming partnerships, participating in trials and tests with technology companies, start-ups, traditional automotive suppliers, government agencies and other players involved in trying to make these future technologies a reality.

‘It’s an exciting time for our industry. This disruptive triangle of technological forces represents a seismic shift in how we manage transportation, one that promises to improve the lives of billions of people around the world.’

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